Improving Accounting Student Success through Caring Behaviors Lamrot Bekele, Accounting Faculty Dwight Riley, Associate Dean, Instructional Support Michael Packer, Accounting Student Richland College 1
Richland College Accounting Program Approximately 2,500 accounting students annually ACCT 2301 Principles of Accounting I is a gatekeeper course (high enrollment/low success) Began Achieving the Dream Initiative in Fall 2009 2
Student Success Accounting Results Achieving the Dream Initiative 3
Achieving the Dream Accounting Initiative Actions Participate in Understanding our Students professional development Identify strategies for improving the learning environment and student success Participate in Caring Behaviors training Apply Caring Behaviors Fall 2010 Administer Caring Behaviors surveys beginning Spring 2011 4
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. 5
Caring Behaviors Shows empathy Role model Competent Shows sensitivity Encourages students Available outside of class Respectful Helpful Relaxed, open-minded Motivating Flexible Reinforcing Genuineness Ava Miller, Ph.D., Nursing Education North Central University 6
Caring Behaviors and Related Strategies Competent Selected quality materials and online learning resources Aligned learning outcomes, assignments, and exams 7
Caring Behaviors and Related Strategies Available Outside of Class Lecture and exam review videos available 24/7 for online and face-to-face students Tutoring resources available on campus and online 8
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 9
Caring Behaviors and Related Relaxed, Open-Minded Strategies Welcome students individually as they enter class Be well-prepared for class (includes the use of departmental assignments and exams) Play in the classroom 10
Caring Behaviors Survey Results ACCT 2301-2011SP Available Shows Role Shows Encourages Outside Relaxed 5.00 Empathy Model Competent Sensitivity Students of Class Respectful Helpful Open-MindedMotivating Flexible ReinforcingGenuineness 4.90 4.80 4.70 4.60 4.50 4.40 4.30 4.20 4.10 4.00 3.90 3.80 3.70 Instructor A B C D 11
Caring Behaviors Analysis Spring 2011 Instructor Average A, B, C Grade % 4.79 79% 4.70 74% 4.60 72% 4.26 33% 12
Caring Behaviors Survey Results ACCT 2301-2012SP 5.10 Shows Empathy Role Model Competent Shows Sensitivity Encourages Students Available Outside of Class Respectful Helpful Relaxed Open-MindedMotivating Flexible Reinforcing Genuineness 5.00 4.90 4.80 4.70 4.60 4.50 4.40 4.30 4.20 4.10 4.00 3.90 3.80 3.70 Instructors 13
Caring Behaviors Analysis Spring 2012 Instructor Average A, B, C Grade % 4.86 76% 4.85 61% 4.81 89% 4.73 65% 4.63 67% 4.56 77% 4.41 55% 14
Caring Behaviors Lessons Learned 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. 15