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Linked-course communities place students into cohorts, such that students take multiple classes with the same peers. Bridgewater State University has conducted a randomized control trial of STEM linked-course communities where first-year science and mathematics students took a content-rich First Year Seminar focusing on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the first course in their major, and their first mathematics course through the community. Students participating in the communities had higher rates compared to the control group for University retention, STEM retention, rates of A & B grades, and lower rates of D, F, and W grades. In this workshop, participants will learn steps for creating communities, map out local courses for effective communities, and identify the important local players to create effective communities. Participants will be able to explain the underlying theory of why linked-course communities may lead to increased STEM retention and know key players for effective implementation.
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GIFTS: Retention Improvement Efforts in the Undergraduate Living and Learning Community at the University of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina Engineering and Computing Living and Learning Community is focused on helping students succeed in their academic careers. For many years, program activities include a one-hour professional development course, linked coursework for mathematics and chemistry courses, and residence hall tutoring availability. Recent new supports for student retention will be discussed. These efforts include: 1. Early Move-In Boot camp - A short optional course helps students adjust to campus and form social networks while providing mathematics review and professional development information. 2. More linked courses - In addition to mathematics and chemistry, the living and learning community now has implemented linked humanities coursework in the spring so that students living together can take more courses with other residents. 3. Spring activities - Traditionally, most retention efforts have focused on acclimation in the Fall semester. New efforts help support students throughout their entire first year so that they have help in taking corrective actions. https://peer.asee.org/gifts-retention-improvement-efforts-in-the-undergraduate-living-and-learning-community-at-the-university-of-south-carolina
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- Award ID(s):
- 1930492
- PAR ID:
- 10504082
- Publisher / Repository:
- ASEE
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- ASEE FYE
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Location:
- Lansing, MI
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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