Community colleges can boost graduation rates with a mandatory course that trains students in study skills, time management, and other practical considerations, according to an article by Paul Fain in Inside Higher Ed.
As usual, there is controversy. First of all, such courses cost money that could be used elsewhere. Someone must teach them, after all. There may be space considerations (if ever there were a course that should not be taught remotely, this is it). And students aren't always pleased to learn they have to pay tuition and fees for an extra class that may not transfer to a university or help them directly with their chosen career path.
Also, many policy makers and educators believe such topics should be embedded into introductory courses in the Core Curriculum. In fact, teachers consistently report that they have emphasized introductory skills consistently in their classes for many years.
On the other hand, so many students don't know what a syllabus is, how to take notes and use the library, or that it's a really, really, really good idea to attend class faithfully and complete assignments on time. Obviously students need to master these traits to be successful, and they all too often don't do it on their own voluntarily.
The article points to a number of schools that are experiencing positive results, including Houston Community College—one of the largest institutions with such programs. The data from the cited studies seem to indicate impressive improvement. Perhaps formalizing such topics and making them mandatory is the right approach.
Here's a good passage, but please read the entire piece:
“Research indicates that students who complete these courses are more likely to complete other courses, earn better grades, have higher overall GPAs and obtain degrees,” according to a new report from the Center for Community College Student Engagement.
The sector is generally wary of mandatory requirements, in part because of an unwillingness to impose burdens on students who are more likely to be adults or work long hours at jobs than their peers at four-year institutions. As a result, the report from the center found that only 15 percent of community colleges require student success courses for all first-time students.
“We need to relinquish the reluctance to require,” said Kay McClenney, the center’s director.
Ms. McClenney also gave an interesting interview to the Texas Tribune.
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