ABS Satisfaction Survey
When we conducted our recent alumni meeting for students and alumni in the Chicago area, we took the opportunity to ask the participants to fill out a brief questionnaire to tell us how we were serving their needs and what they would like to see us do more. We also asked them to describe what the program has done for them. What is given below are excerpted examples of comments and ratings by the 36 self-selected respondents who were part of the group who attended the alumni/student event. These students and alumni were from a group who had attended and/or graduated from the ABS program over the past five years. Their ages ranged from the middle twenties to the middle seventies and although there was no formal inquiry of the median age, it appeared by observation that the median age was in the late thirties.
The responses in this sample may or may not be representative of the entire student population in the ABS program, yet it can still be instructive as to how the program appears to meet the needs of participants in the program.
A brief compilation of the scoring and verbal responses to questions are presented below:
Question #1: What are you doing now?
[Work ranged in level from office secretary, supervisor of records, to manager of a food store and airline pilot. A large number of those responding were in helping professions.]
Question #2: Have you changed Career Plans since ABS? (Numbers indicate the frequency the item was checked, total possible is 36):
No: 20 responses Yes: 16 responses
Question #3: Have you applied to/enrolled in graduate school?
No: 22 Yes: 14
Question #4: Which areas of your life do you think the ABS program impacted the most favorably? (Total possible on each stem = 36):
Job: 19 Relationship w/ Others: 26 Family needs: 13 Self-knowledge: 33
[Essay Question Following Item #4] Describe how that influence has played out in your life. (A selected summary of comments to this question follows):
"Made me more confident."
"Confirmed my sense of a new direction. I was empowered to keep growing. It has given me the confidence and knowledge to face life."
"I am more aware of how to deal with people of different cultures."
"I have found listening to others and finding questions is more exciting since being in the program."
"The ABS work I did I am able to incorporate into my career, e.g., working with groups and [the] papers I wrote on self esteem are very valuable because I will be co-facilitating groups at [work]."
"All areas -- considerable self growth, allowed me to hang in there as a single parent, changed careers, become more understanding of others."
"Enabled me to obtain my present job. I acquired an insight into myself and my abilities to complete difficult tasks by staying focused."
"People seem to perceive me on a different level."
"Has motivated me to look beyond my present lifestyle and seek change."
"I have been able to move up on the job, I have recognized a new found self-esteem. I feel much better about myself and my choices."
"I have increased my marketability and improved my self character through my experiences during my ABS experience."
"It served as a bridge to human resources services [which] was my goal." "The increase in self confidence has prompted [my] job promotion and enriched my friendships."
"Interacting with people is the most rewarding and educational process [that] one can be involved in."
Question #5: If you can recall, which learning activities were the most effective in the ABS program? (Number indicates the frequency the item was checked, total possible is 36):
role plays: 12
small group discussion: 28
small group problem solving: 30
movies: 10 lecture: 14
group presentations: 15
facilitation of discussion by faculty: 21
Question #6: What kinds of thinking and new insights have you gained from the ABS program? (Number indicates the frequency the item was checked, total possible is 35):
Improved analysis of behavior: 26
Improved critical thinking: 31
Improved writing skills: 22
Improved self-confidence: 25
Improved organizational analysis: 17
Improved research skills: 26
Improved management of others: 15
Improved leadership of others: 15
Improved group skills: 27
Question #7: What did you enjoy about the interaction you had with your fellow learners in the ABS program? (Number indicates the frequency the item was checked, total possible is 35):
Helped me see a different perspective: 32
We got to be really good friends: 21
The group was supportive: 28
One person's leadership was inspiring: 6
Question #8: Looking back on the ABS program, what do you consider were its major strengths?
"Independent study."
A "Length of program, instructors' availability and guidance --- writing, writing, writing -- loved it!"
"It is self-motivating."
"Small group work was a major strength because involvement of each member was imperative. Each person's involvement [is] necessary, therefore, learning experience [is] all but guaranteed."
"The strengths were consistently affirming our sense of self worth. Confidence building was discreetly used throughout the program."
"The group process created a very supportive dynamic which helped all the members achieve success."
"The speed, the independent learning, the group cohesion."
"Its leadership emphasis and research analytical reports."
"High quality of education, concern of the faculty, varied presentation for individual learning styles."
"Cohort group. You have help only a phone call away."
"The sequence of classes and the approach of moving individual slowly through the process of understanding human behavior and interaction."
"Everything about the program and in particular about my group Evanston 56 was supportive, and full of enthusiasm and most encouraging."
"The way all of the classes fit together and ultimately overlapped was a major strength."
"Every course was relevant to the richness of the whole experience. I also appreciate the student-facilitator relationship (e.g. adult learning model)."
Item #9: Have you experienced any major successes since ABS that you would attribute to the program? (What follows are selected excerpts of comments):
"Acceptance into Masters program." "It enabled me to go forward at UIC." "My Masters degree."
"Chairperson for the Human Relations Commission in West Chicago."
"I am more confident in current work position and my ability to complete future goals."
"Interpersonal management skills improved."
"I have taken more control over my own destiny because I have a better understanding of who I am and who I want to be."
"My sense of self-esteem and assertiveness."
"Improvement in my verbal and written communication."
"Getting into my Masters program and being admitted into a Ph.D. program."
"Leadership Grant, self-confidence."
"Yes, an excellent position in my company."
"My job performance is vastly improved."
"Yes, I have experienced better study skills, which help me on a day to day basis, along with my organizational skills have improved."
"Following a dream I thought was lost to me."
"The promotion and enrollment in graduate program."
Item #10: Do you think the ABS program has opened any doors for you? Please describe: (What follows are selected excerpts of comments):
"My recent employment I think is an example. I made one phone call, interviewed once and got hired on the spot! I was shocked!"
"It has started the 'credentialling' process for me."
"As a result of my PII [research] project, I was appointed to a state with advisory committee [at the] Department of Mental Health -- as a result of that committee I have been invited to present at an Conference of Rehabilitation Counselors -- contacts, contacts, contacts!"
I would not have the position I am currently in if I had not completed the ABS program."
"Yes, led to MS and a desired counseling occupation."
"Entrance into MSW program."
"Its been slow, but areas in Human Relations and Civil Rights are now opening up. Best of all, it opened my mind."
"It is the building block for my future. I can now go through doors that were never opened before. It is the catalyst for my future educational endeavors and my growth as an individual."
"Yes, I feel most confident that I can pursue whatever my heart desires. It has strengthened my sense of security in my job situation."
"Getting into a Ph.D. program."
"The Masters program and the possibility of a doctorate."
"Better base for networking on a professional level."
"Yes, it has freed me to write."
Item #11: Overall, how satisfied with your ABS experience are you? (Number indicates the frequency the item was checked, total possible is 35):
Excellent: 22
Very Good: 13
Good: 0 Average: 0
Poor: 0
Terrible: 0
After looking over the responses given above, if you would like more information about our program that has helped thousands of adults gain new knowledge and opportunity, please click on the "form" link below:
Form to request additional information 
