Richland College Improving the Learning Environment through Caring Behaviors Lamrot Bekele Dwight Riley February 2013
About Richland Located in Dallas, Texas Over 25,000 credit and continuing education students Internationally and ethnically diverse Our mission - Teaching, learning, community building.
Today’s Learning Objectives Discover caring behaviors that improve the learning environment and student success Learn how the results of caring behaviors surveys may be used to improve teaching, learning, and community building Analyze examples of caring behaviors and identify related strategies
Richland College – School of Business Accounting Program Approximately 2,500 accounting students annually Awards include certificates and the Accounting AAS. ACCT 2301 – Principles of Accounting I is a gatekeeper course.
Success Data Before AtD ACCT-2301 % A, B, C Grades Overall Face to Face Distance Learning
Our AtD Journey Began in 2009 Understanding our students Identifying strategies for improving the learning environment and student success Participating in Caring Behaviors training in March 2010 with Dr. Barbara Coan, Collin College - Dean of Academic Affairs Benchmarking/applying Caring Behaviors during Fall Administering Caring Behaviors surveys during Spring 2011.
Caring Behaviors - Assumptions Faculty with high retention and student success rates exhibit similar behaviors and characteristics. Applying Caring Behaviors and related strategies can improve the learning environment and student success without a reduction in rigor.
Caring Behaviors Shows empathyHelpful Role modelRelaxed, open-minded CompetentMotivating Shows sensitivityFlexible Encourages studentsReinforcing Available outside of classGenuineness Respectful Ava Miller
Caring Behaviors Survey Results
Caring Behaviors Analysis Spring 2011 InstructorAverageA, B, C Grade % A4.6072% B4.7979% C4.7074% D4.2633%
Caring Behaviors Survey Results
Caring Behaviors Analysis Spring 2012 InstructorAverageA, B, C Grade % A4.7365% B4.6367% C4.5677% D4.8676% E4.8561% F4.4155% G4.8189%
Caring Behaviors and Related Strategies Competent Selected quality materials and online learning resources Aligned learning outcomes, assignments, and exams
Caring Behaviors and Related Strategies Available outside of class Lecture and exam review videos available for online and face-to-face students Tutoring Resources available on campus and online
Caring Behaviors and Related Strategies Helpful Provide chapter outlines highlighting key learning objectives and concepts. Offer individual assistance during class while students work on practice assignments.
Caring Behaviors and Related Strategies Relaxed, open-minded Welcome students as they enter class. Be well-prepared for class (includes the use of departmental assignments and exams). Play in the classroom.
Success Data
Caring Behaviors Exercise 1.Discuss in your group an assigned Caring Behavior. 2.Determine how this behavior and related strategies may be used to improve the learning environment and student success. 3.Appoint a scribe to record your behavior/strategies and report your findings.
Caring Behaviors - Tips Applying Caring Behaviors requires effective training for all participants in the learning process (full-time/adjunct faculty and tutors). Caring Behaviors surveys should be administered to on-campus and online students. Survey results should be communicated to faculty in a positive manner and may be used to identify future action plans.
Caring Behaviors – Lessons Caring Behaviors may be used as a framework for creating a positive/caring learning environment. Applying Caring Behaviors fosters the development of meaningful relationships that help students succeed.
21 "No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship." "No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship." –Dr. James Comer