A study of the effects of a required study skills program upon academic achievement in the first year of University

Wilson, Bernard Paul (1976) A study of the effects of a required study skills program upon academic achievement in the first year of University. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

This study employed 180 randomly sampled first year students, 91 in a Control condition and 89 in an Experimental condition. Students in the Experimental condition were required to complete a Study Skills course during their first semester. At the end of the first semester both groups were compared on measures of academic performance and study habits and attitudes. At the end of the second semester, both groups were compared on measures of academic performance. Students in the Experimental condition were exposed to the Study Skills program of Dr. F.J. Vattano during their regular English course. Students were grouped into high and medium risk categories by means of their Grade XI English average. All students completed the Brown-Holtzman Survey of Study Skills and Attitudes (Form C) at the end of their first semesters. The raw scores collected were examined by the use of the SPSS and NYMBUL programs to provide an analysis of covariance of group means. Two runs were performed to provide an analysis of covariance with one covariate (Grade XI average) and with two covariates (Grade XI average and first semester average). Analysis was performed for the high risk groups, the medium risk groups and the combined risk groups. It was hypothesized that no significant differences would be found between Control and Experimental groups at all levels on the outcome measures used. These null hypotheses were accepted as the analysis of the data revealed no significant differences. The Study Skills program used was assessed by the students in the Experimental condition. While the results of this assessment indicated that on the whole the information presented in the program was favourably received, it was noted that some students expressed disapproval of the methods of presentation used. The study was undertaken to investigate the possible use of the Study Skills program as a required course for first year high risk students. It was recommended that this program not be implemented but that other methods of meeting the academic support needs of these students be investigated.

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