New York College Learning Skills Association

RTDE Issue Contents

Research and Teaching
in Developmental Education

Volume 21, Issue 2, Spring 2005

Evaluation of a College Transition Program for Students At-Risk for Academic Failure
By Virginia M. DeRoma, Nancy L. Bell, Barbara A. Zaremba, and John C. Albee

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effectiveness of skill training introduced through a college transition program designed to prepare entering students for the rigors of college. The Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI; Weinstein, 1987) was administered to 35 Freshmen at risk for academic failure prior to and following participation in a five-week college transition skills-training program. Results indicated statistically significant differences between performance pre- and post-intervention on all scales of the LASSI. Three of ten scales of the LASSI demonstrated a reduction in the number of scores falling below the 50th percentile between pre- and post-intervention efforts. Significant differences were noted for retention rates between treatment and control groups. No significant differences between treatment and control group Freshman-year grade point averages were noted. Results suggest the importance of offering preparatory programs in order to reduce attrition and increase skills critical to academic success..