Paired class learning community : a study and example of study skills course paired with credit-level course

Abstract

In the context of a program for academically under-prepared students entering USI, the project examines possible advantages to pairing a study skills course with a credit-level course rather than teaching study skills in a stand-alone format as has been the norm. During five semesters of trying study skills paired with Introduction to Psychology, an immediate increase in grades or pass rates is not seen. However, retention rates of those that do pass the course successfully far exceed the average retention rates of the university.