Share Paper: Using Online Teaching Assistants to Improve Academic Success and Persistence

  1. Kathleen Hughes De Sousa, Capella University, United States
  2. Andrea Kozak Miller, Capella University, United States
  3. Barb Reagle, Capella University, United States
  4. Laura Sullivan, Capella Univesity, United States
Tuesday, October 22 11:35-11:55 AM Versailles 2

Abstract: Increasing student persistence and retention are key goals of academic institutions and researchers alike. The purpose of this best practices presentation is to describe an intervention aimed at helping learners in an undergraduate psychology program at an online university achieve academic success. The faculty-driven model was designed based on Tinto’s (1975) and Bean and Metzner’s (1985) work and includes synchronous labs facilitated by teaching assistants. The curriculum is tied to learner coursework in their first term and is focused on increasing academic readiness, developing writing skills and supporting learners as they begin their program. The presentation will include a synopsis ...