GIVING INTRODUCTORY STUDENTS THE SUPPORT NECESSARY TO MEET HIGH EXPECTATIONS

Community college students not only need skills to succeed in the four-year college classroom, they need to be challenged in order to mature as thinkers and gain confidence as learners. Success in the first semester of classes is also imperative for retention and degree completion. Balance needs to exist between challenging coursework/ high expectations and support structures to help diverse learners succeed. Institutional support, such as a strong developmental program, is important, as are structures which support students in the classroom. Through the years I have implemented several strategies that enhance student success in my introductory level classes. In Earth Science, students take daily open-note quizzes to promote reading and advance preparation. Labs and activities are done in assigned cooperative learning groups. These groups allow stronger students to help those with weaker skills. Physical Geology students are allowed to retake quizzes. Students in both classes use forms of journaling to enhance understanding and address misconceptions. To avoid teaching down to students, class time is usually not used to rehash basic skills. Instead, handouts are provided which address basic skills and can be used by students who need them.