I think the verdict is in, students who attend study tables (even once) achieve higher gpa’s than their non-attending peers
It gets even better when you look at their placement scores. Study table attendees had lower placement scores than their non-attending peers yet they earned higher grades…hmmm…I think the Academic Success Center (ASC) might have a successful program on their hands ;-)
I did a lot of Data Warehouse and Excel crunching to get this data sorted out. I was chatting with W about my experience and we both agreed that it hasn’t been typical.
First, the ASC gave me a sweet office. It has high ceilings, a window, a door w/mail slot, and huge desk.
Second, W and I meet up and chat every 1.5 weeks. I’m pretty good with the self-directed stuff at this point but I do appreciate our one-on-one think tank sessions. I’m learning a lot about the joys of worthwhile assessment.
Third, the ASC is in Waldo Hall (pic 1) (pic2) and it has so much character. The building looks like a castle. Plus, the staff have been extremely accommodating. My name is actually on the building directory sign on the first floor when you enter the building. They gave me a phone and a number too!
W and M really care about student learning and they care about my practicum experience. Okay, time to stop gushing. Anyway, it’s been great. Now I am off to work on Zoology. The pre-test data for Zoology will be the fall term versus the spring term in a cage match to determine seasonal superiority. :-)
[READ THIS IF YOU LIKE DATA]
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Study Table Assessment Project — MATH 111 Results
Entering Scores:
SAT Math:
Average score of students who did not attend any study table sessions: 510
Average score of students who attended at least one study table session: 491
(does not include regulars)
Average score of students who attended at least one study table session (Includes all study table attendees): 493
Average score of students who attended for 5 or more weeks: 496
Math Placement:
Average score of students who did not attend any study table sessions: 11.7
Average score of students who attended at least one study table session: 11.2
(does not include regulars)
Average score of students who attended at least one study table session (Includes all study table attendees): 10.3
Average score of students who attended for 5 or more weeks: 8.8
GPA Differences:
Average grade points (on 4 pt scale) –
Students who did not attend any study sessions: 1.88
Students who attended at least one study table session (does not include regulars): 1.94
Students who attended at least one study table session (Includes all study table attendees): 2.40
Students who attended 5 or more weeks (Regular attendees): 2.92
Total study table hours: 495
Total # of study table participants: 89
Total # of students in Math 111: 270
Note: When calculating average GPA, grades of I, S, U, and W are not included.