The “Boost” Mindset project, so named to reflect its goal to provide participants a boost towards academic success, embodies a series of virtual workshops to which every currently enrolled student has access via SGSC’s GeorgiaVIEW LMS. The series includes content about motivation, note-taking, time management, study skills, the neuroscience of learning, etc. Those students who choose to participate may earn certificates (for which some faculty offer incentives). In addition, a virtually-supported faculty learning community offers resources and training in instructional interventions, such as communication strategies, transparency, focused discussions, etc.
Evaluation Plan and measures:
- Administering and analyzing student and faculty satisfaction surveys; determining student and faculty participation rates; comparing GPAs and retention rates of participants and non-participants
KPIs:
- Number/percentage of student participants, increase in participants’ average GPAs, and percentage of participants retained
Baseline measure (for each KPI):
- 2021-22 student participation was 6% in Fall and 19% in Spring; 2022-23 data showed participants in Fall had an average GPA of 3.22, 0.66 points higher than the 2.56 average of non-participants, and participants in Spring had an average GPA of 2.90, 0.19 points higher than the 2.71 average of non-participants; baseline measures for retention in progress.
Current/most recent data (for each KPI):
- We are still collecting and analyzing 2023-24 data. Data from 2022-23 indicates participation at rates of 23% for Fall and 18% in Spring; GPA data from that period set the baseline (see above); and retention rates of participants have not yet been calculated.
Goal or targets (for each KPI):
- Participation goal of 25% each semester, an average GPA increase of 0.25 points for participants, and a retention rate of 40% for participants.
Time period/duration:
- Ongoing
The Grow Your Brain! Workshop on the neuroscience of learning was well-received and fueled planning for expanding the numbers and types of workshops offered. We also had good participation in workshops on Time Management and Motivation. Data on student workshop participation for AY 2022-2023 and AY 2023-2024 is in Appendix Table E. We also continued to provide further training for interested faculty, including a faculty learning community session on “Finding Solutions” focused on communication. In addition, we ran a FLC that focused on specific mindset needs of our Valdosta State University Entry Program students. Student Mindset workshop participation dropped off some from the previous year, possibly due to continuing students choosing not to participate in a repeat workshop. Consequently, new workshops are being considered.
Additional FLCs will be offered to increase faculty participation, which in turn can increase student participation. We continue to collect data on the effects on student achievement, but we must establish realistic baseline data for assessment.
Challenges: Limited physical and fiscal resources are always challenging. Tracking student progress has proven somewhat difficult.
Support Needed: Metrics dashboards could be very helpful in assessing effectiveness. Access has been requested but not yet established.
