October 2005 - May 2006

Year Two

Professional Development

Developmental Math & College Study Skills Link

Fall 2005 provided an opportunity for instructors Laurie Laughery & Brenda Rolfe-Maloney to implement changes to their Math/FYE linked courses. Results indicate the changes were successful as 82% of students completing math received a C or better.

Improved Success in Reading

Beginning Fall 2005, Kathy Barker has been implementing new curriculum and teaching strategies in Reading 80/90/120. Attendance at the Kellogg Institute last summer and the National Association of Developmental Education in March, along with her own research, has led to the changes. Data has been collected to establish a baseline of student success for 2003-2005 based on pre- and post-Nelson Denny test scores. Revisions were made for Winter 2006 based on student evaluations, test scores and Kathy's own assessment. Continued revisions are being implemented for Spring 2006.

Two New Transition Courses Piloted

• Career Survey - a new class targeting students who do not know what they want to do was piloted Winter 2006. Eight students learned how to discover their strengths and weaknesses, how to research careers, and how to become responsible employees. Many student services staff, faculty and community people visited the class to provide presentations. Students also participated in a two-week hands-on experience either in natural resources or medical records to learn more about those fields. For more information see Transition Services.

• Transitions - is being piloted Spring 2006 and emphasizes topics important for students who are ready to transition to school or work. The topics and teaching strategies utilized require students to explore issues that impact their daily life and their future. Students completing the course will be prepared for further education and/or work. A two-hour math lab is also included in the course. For more information see Transition Services.

Tutor Training Course Implemented

Tutoring Techniques, a one-credit class, was implemented Fall 2005. Developed and taught by Laura Ratcliff, our Learning Center Coordinator, the course provides students with information ranging from the role of a tutor to learning theory and communication skills. Training is provided to tutors throughout the quarter.

Workshop for ESL Instructors

On April 20th, 15 ESL instructors participated in a training on EL Civics curriculum. The workshop, facilitated by a state board curriculum specialist, focused on the development of lessons for the classroom that would provide practical examples of civics for ESL students.

Continued Increase in Tutoring Services

The number of peer tutors continues to increase, as does the number of students utilizing the services and the number of hours tutoring is available. Tutors provided over 300 hours of tutoring during Winter quarter. 250 different students utilized the Learning Center clocking over 3300 log-ins. Student evaluations continue to demonstrate that they find the Learning Center an important place and are very satisfied with the tutoring services provided.

ModuMath Software Purchased

Students have been using a new computer-based learning assistive program called ModuMath since the beginning of Winter 2006. The program provides assessment tools, study material, and practice questions on topics found in Math 60, 95 & 98. Student feedback indicates they find the visual and auditory presentation of the material very useful as a learning tool. ModuMath has been installed in the Learning Center and at the Stafford Creek Corrections Center, Riverview and Columbia Educational Centers. Contact Laura Ratcliff at (360)538-4060 to learn more.

Research & Assessment

Assessment of faculty development projects implemented this year has been ongoing. The impact of new curriculum and teaching strategies this year will be measured by student success (grades) comparison and the assessment measures submitted as part of each project. Research is also being collected and analyzed on ABE/GED to look for trends or patterns that might help determine future projects.

New Technology

Network servers have been purchased for the Columbia Education Center and the Learning Center. The server in Ilwaco made possible the use of new software for classes. ModuMath will also be installed allowing students to use the program without checking out disks. The new server in the Learning Center will also make it easier for students to use ModuMath.

Contact:

Diane Smith, Program Director

360-538-4181, dsmith@ghc.edu