A two-question survey was administered with LATTC students, in fall semester 2011, with the primary purpose of ascertaining how they (students) define student success and what one thing they would change that would help them succeed in college. In particular, as it pertains to the planning that is currently being undertaken by the Instruction and
Curriculum and the Student Support planning taskforces, the responses from students could be summarized as follows.
139 students provided their definition of student success. Students defined success in more than one way. 55 respondents (40%) highlighted the importance of student motivation and performance as part of a definition of student success. 51 students (37%) related success to setting and achieving their goals. A vast majority of students also related their success to one or more educational achievements. The responses are summarized in the table below:
55
51
40%
37%
Building motivation, self-esteem, do my best
Setting and achieving goals
45
39
34
32%
28%
24%
Get career, certificate or transfer
Preparation for success in life
Succeed in school/course completion/GPA
The second question (e.g., what one thing students would change to increase success) drew fewer responses (97). The responses are summarized in the table below:
22 23% Study habits, motivation, start early
17
14
18%
14%
More resources and student involvement
Financial Aid/ Hardship
12
10
12%
10%
Scheduling (class choice or time offered)
Better instructors and more tutoring
In addition, a focus group was conducted with LATTC students to inform the development of the LACCD strategic plan.
Below are selective responses for five different questions that relate to instruction/curriculum and student support:
1.
One thing to change in this college: improved school spirit; more interdepartmental projects; diverse delivery modes; more interaction and information with departments; GE education; articulation agreements with other schools, internships for trades; better communication; momentum scholarships; enriching student services; clean campus and bathrooms; collaborations; updated modern equipment; hands on training ; more faculty support
2.
College performs well: impacting students’ life; variety of programs, some exceptional faculty and staff, good job skills provided
3.
Needs to be improved: culture: welcoming and more guidance; connections with industry, make teachers accountable, teachers continues training is needed, more tutoring even for trades, start using e-books; streamline the processes to have less lines; new courses and curriculum
4.
Biggest challenge: student-teacher relationships; advocacy; not enough tutoring; financial aid; class schedule for working people, should be bigger classes size to allow for more registration, lottery registration system is not good
5.
One thing to improve student completion: better communication and closing a gap between student and teacher; more guidance; more transparency in funds usage; increase student involvement in all campus areas