Focus Groups
On an annual basis, focus groups are held with current students taking AAA 090 that are willing to participate. Students are asked a series of questions about their experience by a person who is not an instructor. Response transcripts are analyzed for themes.
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AAA (non-themed) Focus Group Data 2014 Overall Implications: |
AAA (themed) Focus Group Data 2015 Overall Implications: |
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1.
The most frequently coded cross-cutting themes revealed
students getting the most out of the AAA content related to (not in ranked
order): ü Test-taking ü Note-taking ü Time management ü Growth mindset This reflects both
the desire for this content, and that as a cohort AAA instructors are
delivering this content well. This content
should continue to be taught in a similar manner given the positive feedback
and impact. 2.
Students asked for more
class time to be spent on learning college etiquette. Specifically, even after taking AAA
students were unclear of how to address/e-mail Instructors and overall how to
communicate with college staff and faculty.
This should be an area of greater focus for AAA Instructors. 3.
Focus group participants identified a generational gap in students’ positive
perceptions of the class. Older
students more readily identified the benefits of AAA, and younger students
were sometimes disengaged. A
recommendation includes sending more messages catered to traditionally-aged
college students about the benefits of AAA.
These messages might ideally come from peers, perhaps a traditional
age-student who has taken the class could briefly address this early in the
semester in person, through a video, or through print marketing. 4.
As a result of taking AAA, students made more informed decisions about adding, dropping, and
withdrawing from classes. This is
a benefit of AAA and speaks to the partnership with the Student Success
Center and Emerging Scholars Advisors who have a presence in the AAA classes. |
1.
The most frequently coded cross-cutting themes revealed students
getting the most out of the AAA content related to (not in ranked order): ü Career Planning &
Selection ü Preparation &
Organization (academic) ü Time management ü Peer Relationships
& Collaboration ü Motivation &
Mindset This reflects
students’ values related to AAA content areas. While all of these areas are
currently being taught in non-themed AAA courses, “Career Planning &
Selection” and “Peer Relationships & Collaboration” have not previously
surfaced as reoccurring and significant themes in prior focus group data.
This may indicate Themed AAA Course instructors either emphasize this
directly in the curriculum, or the nature of the themed course (being grouped
with other students with similar occupational goals) fosters an environment
for these themes to grow. This content should continue to be taught
in a similar manner given the positive feedback and impact. 2.
Students expressed gratitude and appreciation for an instructor with previous experience
and/or extensive knowledge within the themed career field. Students
valued the personal experiences and additional information the instructor
could provide. Identifying instructors with tacit knowledge and personal experiences
in a particular field would be most beneficial for instructing a themed AAA
course. 3.
Focus group participants identified the career panels as a major factor that helped solidify their
career decisions. The career
panels allowed students the opportunity to begin networking within their
career field. Students also began to conceptualize their career choice, view
their career positively and potentially clear-up any career choice
misconceptions. These steps are essential for producing positive outcomes in
their career development process such as mature career decision-making
skills, career decidedness and ultimately career satisfaction. This
in-class activity should be expanded to be included in all themed AAA courses
given the positive impact and growth opportunity for students. 4. As a result of being
in a community of learners in their themed AAA course, students built a comradery and support system because of the
similar career paths, interests and personality traits. Students were able to
build relationships with peers quicker and more deeply compared to other
classes they experienced. This is a result of the classroom environment the
AAA instructor creates and enhances, and is often noted in other non-themed
AAA data; however, it seems this factor may be enhanced within a themed AAA
course. This environment should continue to be supported by AAA instructors
in themed AAA courses and possibly non-themed AAA courses could help
facilitate these relationships by intentionally connecting students with
others in the classroom. |
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Most Frequently Appearing Codes (2014) (in
order of frequency) 1.
How has AAA contributed to your success a.
By helping improve time management skills b.
By helping improve organization c.
By increasing motivation and helping me adopt a Growth
Mindset 2.
What are the top three things you learned from AAA? a.
Time management b.
Taking notes c.
Growth mindset d.
Better organization e.
That a student should use a planner, and best practices
for using one 3.
In what ways do you see yourself as different after
taking AAA? a.
Less procrastination b.
Better mindset/outlook c.
More motivated to be successful in college d.
Better knowledge of campus resources |
Most Frequently Appearing Codes 2015) (in
order of frequency) 1.
How has AAA contributed to your success a.
By helping improve organization, preparation for classes b.
By helping improve time management skills c.
By helping improve reading strategies, SQ3R 2.
What are the top three things you learned from AAA? a.
Aims resources and services b.
Reducing stress, stress management c.
Time management d.
Taking notes e.
Growth mindset 3.
In what ways do you see yourself as different after
taking AAA? a.
Better communicator, more outgoing b.
More confident and secure c.
Improved attitude, Growth mindset |
