Enhanced Learning Skills: A required course in the Computer

Studies curriculum

by

Kim Dotto (kdotto@bcit.bc.ca)

Debbe Gervin (dgervin@bcit.bc.ca)

Valerie Nagel (vnagel@bcit.bc.ca)

Ken Takagaki (ktakagak@bcit.bc.ca)

Computer Systems Technology

B.C. Institute of Technology

3700 Willingdon Avenue

Burnaby, B.C. V5Y 3H2

ABSTRACT

Historically, student attrition rates in post-secondary computing programs have been very high. To address this problem, and its attendant issues of student success and satisfaction, BCIT's Computer Systems Technology first year curriculum has for the past 4 years required a course in Enhanced Learning Skills.

The course, designed to assist new Computer Systems students in increasing their success at BCIT and covers skills for retention, time management, reading, test taking, note taking, report writing, oral presentation, team building and planning. It also offers students a safe environment in which to communicate problems, issues and experiences to instructors and fellow students. Students report high satisfaction with the course, ranking student-to-student communication, study skills and life skills as the best things about the course.

Since the inception of the course, retention rates have improved, in part due to more highly skilled students and in part due to better communication leading to improved recruitment, application, acceptance and support procedures. Students report high satisfaction with the course, ranking student-to-student communication, study skills and life skills as the best things about the course.

Faculty and Administrators report higher levels of student responsibility, improvements in academic skills and more willingness from students to try new methods. Increased student responsibility has required some adjustment from faculty. Although Enhanced Learning Skills course content may appear general, appropriate teachers must be carefully chosen. Clear prior communication with all teaching faculty about the course purpose and likely outcomes is necessary.

Faculty and administrators report higher levels of student responsibility, improvements in academic skills and more willingness from students to try new methods. Increased student responsibility has required some adjustment from faculty. Teachers must be carefully chosen to deliver the Enhanced Learning Skills course content. Clear prior communication with all teaching faculty about the course purpose and likely outcomes is necessary to avoid misunderstanding of objectives and expectations of the course.

The Enhanced Learning Skills course is one of several initiatives aimed at increasing utilization and reducing attribution within the CST program. Other initiatives adopted include

a programming pre-requisite to enter the CST program CST program

the availability of extensive pre-testing and self-assessment tools

extensive use of modified programs to "customize" the learning experience to the circumstances of individual students

an aggressive program of advanced placement and direct entry into the 2nd year of the program

obligatory attendance at information sessions for applicants in order to clarify expectations before they are accepted into the program.

Over the past 4 years retention rates have improved significantly. As post-secondary institutions are increasingly held accountable for seat utilization, student retention and learner satisfaction, experience with programs such as the Enhanced Learning Skills course will become increasingly important to post-secondary educators.