Sheila A. Joyner

Online graduate students’ perceptions of best learning experiences

The purpose of this study is to examine the perceptions of online master’s students regarding their best learning experiences. The authors surveyed 86 graduate students concerning what helped them learn in the online environment. Results indicate that although graduate students learned using the same technological tools as undergraduates, they desired a deeper level of learning that requires more instructional forethought and planning. Student experiences were consistent with the constructivist theory, and implications for improving teaching based upon the constructivist theory are highlighted.

Grade Point Average Differences between Dual and Nondual Credit College Students

We examined the first and final term grade point averages (GPA) for a class of students at a Texas community college to determine how dual enrollment credit influenced GPA. Five statistically significant differences, albeit small effect sizes, were present by gender and by ethnic membership. Dual credit students had higher GPAs than did nondual credit students. Interestingly, dual enrollment did not have a statistically significant influence on GPAs for Asian students or for students after two years at this community college. As such, this study is the first research investigation of which we are aware in which student GPA in the first college semester and at the end of the second year was compared between dual credit and nondual credit students. Implications of our findings and suggestions for future research are provided.

Hispanic Student Enrollment and Attainment in Texas Two-year Colleges: A Multiyear, Statewide Analysis

In this investigation, we examined the numbers and percentages of Hispanic college students enrolled in Texas two-year colleges and the numbers and percentages of Hispanic students who obtained associate degrees from Texas two-year colleges for the 2000 through the 2011 academic years. Hispanic student enrollment and educational attainment increased from 2000 to 2011. Statistically significant increases were revealed in both the numbers of Hispanic students attending Texas community colleges and in the percentages of enrollment comprised of Hispanic students from 2000 to 2011. Also revealed were statistically significant increases in the numbers of Hispanic students obtaining associate degrees and the percentages of Hispanic students obtaining associate degrees from Texas community colleges from 2000 to 2011. Implications of these findings and recommendations for future research are provided.