Research Topic: Learning

Com m unity in H igher

Education
Prepared & Presented by Pa Yong Xiong

Introduction
My Role & Reason for the research
TRIO Advisor, Metropolitan State University
Implemented a learning community for incoming freshman

Research Project: It is hypothesized that

college students who are in the learning

communities will achieve a higher GPA and
retention rate than the general student
population.

Literature Review
A learning community is created by a cohort of students
that takes 2 or more classes together in their first
semester in college and continue to take future classes
together.
Builds connections, community, & enhances learning

Graduation rates: Public 4 years: 20% and Metropolitan

State: 12%
Learning community increased engagement and
positive feelings about the college experience.
Low GPA is often time caused by lack of motivation.

M ethod & Procedure

Participants
College Freshman
Random Selection
Random Assignment

Materials
Survey- created on RightNow CRM system

Procedure
2X survey (beginning Fall & ending Spring)
GPA

Survey
Rate: Strongly Agree

Agree

Neutral DisagreeStrongly Disagree

1) Staff, faculty and students at Metropolitan State University are encouraging of me to

participate in school-wide events (such as join organizations, attend events, help plan events,
etc.)
2) There is at least one person (staff, faculty, and/or student) at Metropolitan State University
that I feel comfortable to speak to when I have concerns and need help.
3) I have opportunities to join organizations, attend events, and hold student leadership roles
at Metropolitan State University.
4) I am provided with resources on and off campus so that I know where to seek help when I
need it.
5) I have opportunities to talk to staff and faculty about my personal, educational and
professional goals and career.
6) I would recommend Metropolitan State University to other students to attend.

References
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Journal Of Advanced Academics, 18(3), 454-476.
Johnson, D., Wasserman, T., Yildirim, N., & Yonai, B. (2014) Examining the Effects of Stress and Campus Climate on the
Persistence of Students of Color and White Students: An Application of Bean and Eatons Psychological Model of
Retention. Research In Higher Education, 55(1), 75-100. doi:10.1007/s11162-013-9304-9
Kern, C. W., Fagley, N. S., & Miller, P. M. (1998). Correlates of College Retention and GPA: Learning and Study Strategies,
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Minnesota Office of Higher Education. (2012). Graduation Rates. Retrieved from
http://www.ohe.state.mn.us/fc/754/pg.cfm
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Waldron, W. R., & Yungbluth, S. C. (2007). Assessing Student Outcomes in Communication-Intensive Learning
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