Richland College
Improving the Learning Environment
through Caring Behaviors
Lamrot Bekele
Dwight Riley
February 2013
About Richland
• Located in Dallas, Texas
• Over 25,000 credit and continuing education
students
• Internationally and ethnically diverse
• Our mission - Teaching, learning, community
building.
Today’s Learning Objectives
• Discover caring behaviors that improve the
learning environment and student success
• Learn how the results of caring behaviors
surveys may be used to improve teaching,
learning, and community building
• Analyze examples of caring behaviors and
identify related strategies
Richland College – School of Business
Accounting Program
• Approximately 2,500 accounting students
annually
• Awards include certificates and the
Accounting AAS.
• ACCT 2301 – Principles of Accounting I is a
gatekeeper course.
Success Data Before AtD
ACCT-2301
% A, B, C Grades
2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09
Overall
55.0
52.7
52.8
59.4
58.1
Face to Face
60.2
59.1
59.4
66.5
66.3
Distance Learning
23.5
24.5
28.6
33.7
34.8
Our AtD Journey Began in 2009
• Understanding our students
• Identifying strategies for improving the learning
environment and student success
• Participating in Caring Behaviors training in March
2010 with Dr. Barbara Coan, Collin College - Dean of
Academic Affairs
• Benchmarking/applying Caring Behaviors during
Fall 2010.
• Administering Caring Behaviors surveys during
Spring 2011.
Caring Behaviors - Assumptions
• Faculty with high retention and student
success rates exhibit similar behaviors and
characteristics.
• Applying Caring Behaviors and related
strategies can improve the learning
environment and student success without a
reduction in rigor.
Caring Behaviors
Shows empathy
Role model
Competent
Shows sensitivity
Encourages students
Available outside of class
Respectful
Helpful
Relaxed, open-minded
Motivating
Flexible
Reinforcing
Genuineness
Ava Miller
Caring Behaviors Survey Results
ACCT 2301 - 2011SP
Available
Shows
Role
Empathy
Model
Shows Encourages Outside
Competent Sensitivity Students
Relaxed
of Class Respectful
Helpful Open-MindedMotivating Flexible ReinforcingGenuineness
5.00
4.90
4.80
4.70
4.60
4.50
4.40
4.30
4.20
4.10
4.00
3.90
3.80
3.70
A
B
C
D
Caring Behaviors Analysis
Spring 2011
Instructor
Average
A, B, C Grade %
A
4.60
72%
B
4.79
79%
C
4.70
74%
D
4.26
33%
Caring Behaviors Survey Results
ACCT 2301 - 2012SP
Available
Shows
Role
Empathy
Model
Shows Encourages Outside
Competent Sensitivity Students
Relaxed
of Class Respectful
Helpful Open-MindedMotivating Flexible ReinforcingGenuineness
5.00
4.90
4.80
4.70
4.60
4.50
4.40
4.30
4.20
4.10
4.00
3.90
3.80
3.70
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
Caring Behaviors Analysis
Spring 2012
Instructor
Average
A, B, C Grade %
A
4.73
65%
B
4.63
67%
C
4.56
77%
D
4.86
76%
E
4.85
61%
F
4.41
55%
G
4.81
89%
Caring Behaviors and Related Strategies
Competent
• Selected quality materials and online
learning resources
• Aligned learning outcomes, assignments,
and exams
Caring Behaviors and Related Strategies
Available outside of class
• Lecture and exam review videos available
for online and face-to-face students
• Tutoring Resources available on campus
and online
Caring Behaviors and Related Strategies
Helpful
• Provide chapter outlines highlighting key
learning objectives and concepts.
• Offer individual assistance during class
while students work on practice
assignments.
Caring Behaviors and Related Strategies
Relaxed, open-minded
• Welcome students as they enter class.
• Be well-prepared for class (includes the use
of departmental assignments and exams).
• Play in the classroom.
Success Data 2004 - 2012
90.0
80.0
76.4
70.2
70.0
60.0
60.2
55.0
50.0
59.1
59.4
52.7
52.8
66.5
66.3
66.0
59.4
58.1
58.0
69.2
62.3
55.8
Overall
43.4
Face to Face
40.0
34.8
33.7
30.0
Distance Learning
33.6
28.6
23.5
24.5
20.0
10.0
0.0
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
% A, B, C Grades
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
Caring Behaviors Exercise
1. Discuss in your group an assigned Caring
Behavior.
2. Determine how this behavior and related
strategies may be used to improve the
learning environment and student success.
3. Appoint a scribe to record your
behavior/strategies and report your
findings.
Caring Behaviors - Tips
• Applying Caring Behaviors requires effective
training for all participants in the learning process
(full-time/adjunct faculty and tutors).
• Caring Behaviors surveys should be administered to
on-campus and online students.
• Survey results should be communicated to faculty in
a positive manner and may be used to identify
future action plans.
Caring Behaviors – Lessons
• Caring Behaviors may be used as a
framework for creating a positive/caring
learning environment.
• Applying Caring Behaviors fosters the
development of meaningful relationships
that help students succeed.
"No significant
learning occurs
without a
significant
relationship."
–Dr. James Comer
21