New research shows students benefit from “College 101" courses designed to ease them into higher education, but the impact is not long-lasting.
The study by the Community College Research Center at Teachers College, Columbia University, includes interviews with 169 students, faculty, and staff, and observations of College 101 courses in 19 classrooms at three Virginia community colleges. Researchers found that while students in the introductory courses did improve their skills and knowledge of college resources, there wasn’t enough time in class for them to apply and practice those skills.
The authors conclude the courses were too broad and would be more effective focusing on fewer topics in more depth, with input from college faculty and staff.
