Assessing and Improving Learning Strategies in the Typical MSU, Mankato Student to Increase Student Persistence and Retention in the Academy
Location
CSU 201
Start Date
10-4-2018 11:05 AM
End Date
10-4-2018 12:05 PM
Student's Major
Psychology
Student's College
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Mentor's Name
Karla Lassonde
Mentor's Department
Psychology
Mentor's College
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Description
According to public data, 70% of students here at MSU, Mankato are retained and enrolled one year after their first semester. However, just over 50% of students graduate in six years. A factor that may influence retention is whether students know how to best learn. MSU, Mankato has a host of helpful student support services, however, there is not a comprehensive course or resource dedicated to learning skill training. In this study, 45 students enrolled in Cognitive Psychology completed cognitive assessment and learning skills training. Their cognition was assessed using the National Institute of Health's Cognitive Toolbox application which targets cognitive skills like attention, memory, and decision-making. Students then took the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) 3rd Edition (Weinstein, Palmer, and Taylor, 2016) online which focused on thoughts and behaviors related to learning. Student scores were compared to national norms to determine skill needs. We then worked with the students across the semester to build learning strategies into the curriculum. Students will be assessed on the NIH toolbox and LASSI again at the end of the semester to determine the influence of curricular change. Formally providing these strategies to students may have a positive effect on ensuring retention and graduation.
Assessing and Improving Learning Strategies in the Typical MSU, Mankato Student to Increase Student Persistence and Retention in the Academy
CSU 201
According to public data, 70% of students here at MSU, Mankato are retained and enrolled one year after their first semester. However, just over 50% of students graduate in six years. A factor that may influence retention is whether students know how to best learn. MSU, Mankato has a host of helpful student support services, however, there is not a comprehensive course or resource dedicated to learning skill training. In this study, 45 students enrolled in Cognitive Psychology completed cognitive assessment and learning skills training. Their cognition was assessed using the National Institute of Health's Cognitive Toolbox application which targets cognitive skills like attention, memory, and decision-making. Students then took the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) 3rd Edition (Weinstein, Palmer, and Taylor, 2016) online which focused on thoughts and behaviors related to learning. Student scores were compared to national norms to determine skill needs. We then worked with the students across the semester to build learning strategies into the curriculum. Students will be assessed on the NIH toolbox and LASSI again at the end of the semester to determine the influence of curricular change. Formally providing these strategies to students may have a positive effect on ensuring retention and graduation.
Recommended Citation
Gehling, Jacklyn and Rebecca Osborn. "Assessing and Improving Learning Strategies in the Typical MSU, Mankato Student to Increase Student Persistence and Retention in the Academy." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 10, 2018.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2018/oral-session-05/4
