ERIC Number: EJ1343688
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022-Jul
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0098-6283
EISSN: EISSN-1532-8023
Student Preparedness and Success in Introductory Psychology
Altman, William S.; Pena-Shaff, Judith B.; Nicholls, Craig; Domingo, Cassandra
Teaching of Psychology, v49 n3 p236-244 Jul 2022
Background: Reading comprehension and writing ability are critical to students' success in introductory psychology. However, these generally are not prerequisites. There is conflicting evidence with regard to the effectiveness of remedial reading and writing classes for students with low placement exam scores. Objectives: To explore whether ACCUPLACER® test scores help predict performance in introductory psychology, and the effectiveness of reading and writing remediation classes in helping students, particularly those with low ACCUPLACER® scores. Method: Logistic regression analyses were used, to explore whether ACCUPLACER® test scores helped predict performance, and whether completing remediation classes helped students pass, controlling for ACCUPLACER® and WritePlacer® scores, at an upstate New York community college, between the years 2010 and 2015. Results: Placement test scores did help to predict successful course completion. There was not a statistically significant difference in successful course completion between students who passed the remedial courses and those who did not take them. Conclusions: Success in introductory psychology requires college-level reading and writing. Remedial courses' value in students' success in this class appears relatively small or non-significant. Teaching Implications: We propose solutions that may be more effective, involving embedding the remediation in the course, or in closely linked ancillary sections.
Descriptors: Readiness, Academic Achievement, Introductory Courses, Psychology, Reading Comprehension, Writing Ability, Student Placement, Instructional Effectiveness, Remedial Instruction, Community Colleges, Two Year College Students, Placement Tests
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Two Year Colleges
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New York
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: ACCUPLACER
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A