Richland CollegeImproving the Learning Environment

through Caring Behaviors

Lamrot Bekele Dwight Riley

February 2013

About Richland

• Located in Dallas, Texas• Over 25,000 credit and continuing education

students• Internationally and ethnically diverse • Our mission - Teaching, learning, community

building.

Today’s Learning Objectives

• Discover caring behaviors that improve the learning environment and student success

• Learn how the results of caring behaviors surveys may be used to improve teaching, learning, and community building

• Analyze examples of caring behaviors and identify related strategies

Richland College – School of BusinessAccounting Program

• Approximately 2,500 accounting students annually

• Awards include certificates and the Accounting AAS.

• ACCT 2301 – Principles of Accounting I is a gatekeeper course.

Success Data Before AtD

ACCT-2301 % A, B, C Grades

2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09

Overall 55.0 52.7 52.8 59.4 58.1

Face to Face 60.2 59.1 59.4 66.5 66.3

Distance Learning 23.5 24.5 28.6 33.7 34.8

Our AtD Journey Began in 2009• Understanding our students• Identifying strategies for improving the learning

environment and student success• Participating in Caring Behaviors training in March

2010 with Dr. Barbara Coan, Collin College - Dean of Academic Affairs

• Benchmarking/applying Caring Behaviors during Fall 2010.

• Administering Caring Behaviors surveys during Spring 2011.

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.

Caring Behaviors

Shows empathy HelpfulRole model Relaxed, open-mindedCompetent MotivatingShows sensitivity FlexibleEncourages students ReinforcingAvailable outside of class GenuinenessRespectful

Ava Miller

Caring Behaviors Survey ResultsEm

path

y

Mod

el

Com

pete

nt

Sens

itivi

ty

Stud

ents

of C

lass

Resp

ectfu

l

Help

ful

Ope

n-M

inde

d

Moti

vatin

g

Flex

ible

Rein

forc

ing

Genu

inen

ess

Shows Role Shows

En-courag

es Outside Relaxed

Available

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

4.70

4.80

4.90

5.00

ACCT 2301 - 2011SP

A B C D

Caring Behaviors AnalysisSpring 2011

Instructor Average A, B, C Grade % A 4.60 72%B 4.79 79%C 4.70 74%D 4.26 33%

Caring Behaviors Survey ResultsEm

path

y

Mod

el

Com

pete

nt

Sens

itivi

ty

Stud

ents

of C

lass

Resp

ectfu

l

Help

ful

Ope

n-M

inde

d

Moti

vatin

g

Flex

ible

Rein

forc

ing

Genu

inen

ess

Shows Role Shows

En-courag

es Outside Relaxed

Available

3.703.803.904.004.104.204.304.404.504.604.704.804.905.00

ACCT 2301 - 2012SP

A B C D E F G

Caring Behaviors Analysis Spring 2012

Instructor Average A, B, C Grade %A 4.73 65%B 4.63 67%C 4.56 77%D 4.86 76%E 4.85 61%F 4.41 55%G 4.81 89%

Caring Behaviors and Related StrategiesCompetent

• Selected quality materials and online learning resources

• Aligned learning outcomes, assignments, and exams

Caring Behaviors and Related StrategiesAvailable outside of class

• Lecture and exam review videos available for online and face-to-face students

• Tutoring Resources available on campus and online

Caring Behaviors and Related StrategiesHelpful

• Provide chapter outlines highlighting key learning objectives and concepts.

• Offer individual assistance during class while students work on practice assignments.

Caring Behaviors and Related StrategiesRelaxed, open-minded

• Welcome students as they enter class.• Be well-prepared for class (includes the use

of departmental assignments and exams).• Play in the classroom.

Success Data 2004 - 2012

2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12% A, B, C Grades

0.0

10.0

20.0

30.0

40.0

50.0

60.0

70.0

80.0

90.0

55.052.7 52.8

59.4 58.1 58.062.3

69.2

60.2 59.1 59.4

66.5 66.3 66.070.2

76.4

23.5 24.528.6

33.7 34.8 33.6

43.4

55.8

OverallFace to FaceDistance Learning

Caring Behaviors Exercise

1. Discuss in your group an assigned Caring Behavior.

2. Determine how this behavior and related strategies may be used to improve the learning environment and student success.

3. Appoint a scribe to record your behavior/strategies and report your findings.

Caring Behaviors - Tips• Applying Caring Behaviors requires effective training

for all participants in the learning process (full-time/adjunct faculty and tutors).

• Caring Behaviors surveys should be administered to on-campus and online students.

• Survey results should be communicated to faculty in a positive manner and may be used to identify future action plans.

Caring Behaviors – Lessons

• 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.

21

"No significantlearning occurs

without asignificant

relationship."

–Dr. James Comer