action research proposal ppt
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Looking for feedback and comments on my action research presentation. Please identify yourself as well as your institution or teaching role. Thank you so muchTRANSCRIPT
ACTION RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Leslie McGinn/EDD580/July 5, 2010
Motivation Strategies Impacting Undergraduate Retention
Problem Statement
The problem, as indicated in this study, involved a large private university that was experiencing retention decline of up to 30% in undergraduate students after they complete their 4th course. Students began to drop their program on or about their 3rd or 4th class into their undergraduate degree program.
Purpose
Identify factors related to declining retention
Increased student drop rates Isolate the culprits Conduct research Survey current students Implement solution strategy Repeat survey Report and Recommend
Work Setting
Largest Private University Campus classrooms (2) Undergraduate students Freshman New students At risk students Adjunct faculty Open enrollment access
Writers Role
Teacher Researcher Graduate student Stakeholder Life-Long Learner
Causative Analysis
At Risk Students Socio-economic factors Background influences Open Enrollment Underserved populations Ease of enrollment University accountability
Problem Description
Declining Retention in undergraduate freshman students
Drop out rate increasing Quality of Student Services High Risk students Changing demographics Underserved populations Faculty Involvement
Problem Documentation
White 51%
Black 30%
Hispanic 11%
Asian 3%
Native American 1%Other 4%
UOPX Total Enrollment by Ethnicity
WhiteBlackHispanicAsianNative AmericanOther
White 64%
Black 13%
Hispanic 11%
Asian 7%
Native American 1%
Other 4%
National Total Enrollment by Ethnicity
WhiteBlackHispanicAsianNative AmericanOther
Risk Factors
Gender-Male Race-Minority Socio-economic status-poor Single Parents Employed Part-time No academic support system Not prepared for the demands of college
life Performed poorly in high school
Risk Factors
Risk Factor#1 Enrolling in college part-time, takes too long to finish, students get discouraged.
Risk Factor#2 Delaying entry into postsecondary education after high school.
Risk Factor#3 Not having a regular high school diploma, rather a GED equivalent.
Risk Factor#4 Having Children
Risk Factor#5 Being a single parent
Risk Factor#6 Being Financially independent of parents
Risk Factor#7 Working Full-Time while enrolled
Open Enrollment
Easy access No entrance exams required No waitlists Little or no application fees Underserved populations Attractive to high risk students Attract diverse populations High pressure enrollment
Expected Outcomes
Identify retention factors Implement Change in retention rates Increase in graduation rates Improve faculty communication Improve student services Provide resources for at risk students
Measurement Outcomes
Student surveys Identify trends Increase retention by 5% 1.5 standard deviation or greater in the
level of retention Create positive change Increase student satisfaction
Solution Strategy
Identify risk factors Implement new student services
program Offer resources such as on campus child
care, on-campus housing, employment assistance
Increase faculty communication and interaction
Update learning environments Remediation for low high school
achievers
Results
Compare both survey results Document change in student satisfaction Solution strategy emulation Program can be replicated New services provide needed support Higher retention after implementation Lower drop rates after implementation
Recommendation
Revisit the costs associated with new student services and revise as necessary
Select committee to oversee program Review and revise annually Speaking opportunities at other colleges
to share program success. Publish articles in education journals
about the solution strategy success.
References
Borrego, A.M. (2002). U.S. department of education will emphasize retention in next higher education act. Chronicle of Higher
Education, (19)7, 20-21.Buglear, J. (2009). Logging in and dropping out: exploring student non-completion in higher education using electronic footprint
analysis. Journal of Further & Higher Education, 33(4), 381-393. doi:10.1080/03098770903272479.Hackman, R., & Oldham, G. (1980). Work Redesign. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.Hovdaughen, E. & Aamodt, P. (2009). Learning environment: relevant or not to students' decision to leave university? Quality in Higher
Education, (15)2, 177-189.Huett, J., Kalinowski, K., Moller, L., Huett, K. C. (2009). Improving the Motivation and Retention of Online Students Through the use of
ARCS-Based E-Mails. American Journal of Distance Education. Jul 2008, (22)3, 159-176Legg, A. & Wilson, J. (2009). E-mail from professor enhances student motivation and attitudes. Teaching of Psychology, 36(3), 205-211.Levitz, R. S., Noel, L., & Richter, B. J. (1999). Strategic moves for retention success. In G.H. Gaither (Ed.), Promising practices in
recruitment, remediation, and retention (pp. 31–50). (New Directions for Higher Education, n. 108) San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.Lorenzetti, J.P (2010). Ten critical persistence factors affecting online community college students. Recruitment & Retention in Higher
Education, (24)3, 1-6.McMillan, J. & Schumacher, S. (2006). Research in Education: Evidence based Inquiry, Appendix D (6th ed.). Boston, Pearson Education.Muirhead, B. (2006). Academic research presentations: practical advice for today's graduate students. International Journal of
Instructional Technology & Distance Learning, (20)4, 33-38.National Center for Education Statistics, Special Analysis, 2002. Non-Traditional Undergraduates.
http://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/2002/analysis/nontraditional/index/asp.National Center for Education Statistics. University of Phoenix, (2009). Demographics Figures & Charts, (2007). Reason, R. (2009). Student variables that predict retention: recent research and new developments. NASPA Journal (National
Association of Student Personnel Administrators, Inc.), 46(3), 482-501. Retrieved from Education Research Complete database.Seidman, Alan, (2006). College student retention: a primmer. Center for the Study of College Student Retention.University of Phoenix, (2009). Annual Academic Report. Phoenix Arizona.