| The study examined the effectiveness of the Freshman Experience Mathematics Learning Community at Orange Coast College (OCC). The purpose of this program evaluation was to determine if the Freshman Experience Mathematics Learning Community had an effect on GPA, student success, retention and persistence. The data collection from the Office of Institutional Research at OCC provides a vehicle for quantitative research of the students enrolled in foundational level mathematics in the Freshman Experience and traditional lecture courses. The problem facing many colleges is the accountability to actively engage the freshman student population in a collaborative learning environment. Results are (a) GPA is not an indicator, (b) success has been validated, (c) retention has been validated, and (d) persistence has been validated. Narrow parameters for GPA are required. |
