Higher Education Institutions Improve Learning Outcomes, Using Pearson’s Technology and Content Solutions
Boston, MA (PRWEB) April 07, 2014 -- As higher education institutions continue to be challenged to demonstrate measurable results, many are working with Pearson to implement technology and content solutions that drive an increase in learning outcomes.
As a result of this work, Pearson released a report today highlighting 11 community colleges and four-year institutions that have demonstrated measurable successes. Pearson’s 2014 Humanities, Social Sciences, Languages, and English Efficacy Report showcases how each institution boosted efficacy with the use of Pearson’s MyLab and CourseConnect™ in one of the following areas: increased course retention, increased student engagement, improved student success, and enhanced critical thinking.
Pearson’s Senior Vice President of Efficacy and Quality, John Tweeddale, stated, “We tried to capture with this report the most common academic challenges educators and their students face today. We specifically looked at the need to report on and improve student learning outcomes; the need to maintain course quality in an era of scarce resources; and the desire to hold students accountable not only for mastering basic course content, but also for critical thinking and application. We’re very proud of the results these institutions achieved, in terms of both qualitative and quantitative data, especially as Pearson undertakes a global initiative to report on the efficacy of our products and services.”
For example, Missouri State University used MyPsychLab from 2010-2013 to redesign its traditional course into a blended course with a flipped classroom model. Students read the materials and completed the MyPsychLab chapter study plan and media assignments prior to attending class. Since implementing MyPsychLab, student learning gains have more than doubled. Further, there was a 31 percent increase in the number of students achieving overall course grades of A or B, indicating that many more students are demonstrating mastery of the material.
Associate Psychology Professor Danae Hudson, Ph.D., Missouri State University, said, “Because students are reading the textbook and actively engaging with the material in MyPsychLab outside of class, they’ve started coming to class better prepared and more willing to participate in class discussions.”
This report shows that the MyLab platform engages students inside and outside of the classroom with personalized and continuously adaptive learning experiences. MyLab reacts to how students are performing, offering data-driven guidance that helps them better absorb course material and understand difficult concepts.
Pearson’s CourseConnect also emphasizes learning outcomes, using sound learning design that ensures courses are effective, rigorous, user-centered and externally validated. Built by subject matter experts and credentialed instructional designers, the CourseConnect™ series contains more than 130 online courses.
Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, adopted CourseConnect for its online and blended Criminology course in Spring 2013. Eighty-six percent of students who used CourseConnect passed with an A or B compared to 77 percent of students who did not use CourseConnect. Additionally, after the implementation of CourseConnect, the percentage of students earning an A increased from 42 percent to 70 percent.
Deputy Sheriff, Lieutenant Staci Shaffer, Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, said, “Many of the resources students use in CourseConnect are the same as the resources I use on the job in the sheriff’s office. CourseConnect engages students academically while also building competencies that are relevant to their career goals.”
Higher education institutions featured in the Humanities, Social Sciences, Languages, and English Efficacy Report, include:
• Missouri State University
• Louisiana State University
• Buffalo State University
• Eastern Gateway Community College
• St. Petersburg College
• Cleveland Community College
• Grand View University
• Johnston Community College
• New Mexico State University
• University of South Alabama
• Colorado State University
To review the complete report, please visit http://www.pearsonmylabandmastering.com/northamerica/results/files/HSSLE_EfficacyResults_2014.pdf.
About Pearson
Pearson is the world's leading learning company, with 40,000 employees in more than 80 countries working to help people of all ages to make measurable progress in their lives through learning. For more information about Pearson, visit http://www.pearson.com.
Media Contact: Stacy Skelly, stacy.skelly(at)pearson(dot)com or 800-745-8489
Stacy Skelly, Pearson, http://www.pearson.com, +1 (800) 745-8489, [email protected]
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