Area: ESL

Participants:

Ellen Rosenfield
Patricia Seery
Cara Statucki
James Seger

Research Question:

What are student responses to proposed changes in our ESL program curriculum?

Resolutions:

1. Will not add a unit to ESL writing classes. While immigrant students supported the proposed increase in units in writing classes, international students were strongly against such a change;
2. Since ESL students often take (and benefit from) courses throughout the disciplines, the ESL department should exercise caution before adding units to ESL courses;
3. Consider offering 4-unit grammar and speaking courses (rather than 5 unit courses);
4. Offer a variety of 2-unit elective courses that focus on specific topics;
5. When possible, course offerings should reflect the needs of the ESL student population, which may mean using a different approach than other ESL departments in PCCD.

Final Report:

 

 

Area: Civic Engagement/Community Service

Participants:

Matt Freeman
Juana Alicia Araiza
Chris Leo-Planas
Victor Flint
Rachel Simpson

Research Question:

How do student teams support student success in different classroom projects?

Findings:

1. Surveyed students and video taped projects.

Final Report:

 

 

Area: Math

Participants:

Kathryn Weber
Elizabeth Chemouni
Naima Azgui

Research Question:

How can using narratives in math reduce anxiety and increase retention/completion?

Findings:

 

Resolutions:

 

Final Report:

 

Area: PACE

Participants:

Nola Hadley-Torres
Marilyn Claussen
Sandy Niemann
Linda McPheron

Research Question:

What’s going well in PACE?

How can the program be improved?

Research Methods:

Gathered demographic data on students, surveyed students on faculty-student relationships and life stressors that impact their learning.

Findings:

1. 66% of PACE students surveyed are at risk for life stressors with the highest stress indicator was a change in sleeping habits; changes at work; and a shift in social activities;
2. A survey about communication showed 80% positive responses.

Resolutions:

1. Continue gathering demographic data;
2. Urge math faculty to meet;
3. Possibly develop a FIG to look at Math in PACE;
4. Continue research on life stressors;
5. Expand research to look at the impact of reduced student services;
6. Develop emergency resources with Public and Human Services program.

Final Report:

TitleIII Final Report S11 PACE