Frequent Quizzes and Student Improvement of Reading: A Pilot Study in a Community College Setting

Deniz Gokcora,Daniel Depaulo

doi:10.1177/2158244018782580

Abstract

This pilot study explores the extent to which frequent quizzes given in a developmental Academic Critical Reading (ACR) course in a community college affects student success on a standardized CUNY ...

Highlights

The Changing Nature of Student Demographics in Community CollegesGlobalization, shifts in immigration, and increasing access to higher education have changed the characteristics of students in colleges and universities
Forty six (n = 46) of these students were enrolled in two Academic Critical Reading (ACR) classes where frequent quizzes were given, whereas the other forty two (n = 42) students were enrolled in two ACR classes where frequent quizzes were, not given
A one way, repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to compare the effect of frequent quizzes on scores on the standardized City University of New York (CUNY) competency exam

Summary

Introduction

The Changing Nature of Student Demographics in Community CollegesGlobalization, shifts in immigration, and increasing access to higher education have changed the characteristics of students in colleges and universities. Community colleges in the United States provide education to nearly 50% of all undergraduates, many with diverse backgrounds and needs. Community colleges offer flexible programs and various financial aid opportunities. Their affordability allows many students to achieve their higher education goals. Both administrators and professors in community colleges work hard to increase success rates for all students, especially for minority and economically disadvantaged students (Niu & Tienda, 2013; Shugart, 2013). Many students enter community colleges with great aspiration, they are at a greater risk to take at least three years to graduate due to various reasons, such as depending on financial aid, working part time, and having less persistence getting a degree (Fike & Fike, 2008; Thayer, 2000). One-third of community college students get a college degree within six years (Bailey, Calcagno, Jenkins, Leinbach, & Kienzl, 2006)

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