San Jose City College Successful Students Study: MATH 310, LS 340, ENGL 321, Fall 1990. Research Report #120

A study was conducted at San Jose City College (SJCC) of the factors that contributed to the academic success of a sample of students enrolled in fall 1990. Successful students were defined as those receiving a letter grade of A, B, C, or CR (credit) in Math 310, Learning Skills 340, and English 321. A randomly selected group of 39 students who were successful in Math 321, and all 20 students who were successful in LS 340 or ENG 321 were targeted, and 23 (39%) agreed to be interviewed. Where applicable, study results were compared to a group of unsuccessful or "withdrawing" students. Highlighted findings included the following: (1) 45% of the successful students worked 40 hours per week, compared to 84% of the withdrawing students; (2) 43% of the successful students spent some time studying with others, compared to 11% of the withdrawing students; (3) 57% of the successful students had a degree or certificate as a goal, compared to 46% of the withdrawing students; (4) 75% of the successful students took less than 30 minutes to commute to campus, compared to 69% of the withdrawing students; (5) 69% of the successful students mentioned "friendly students" as helpful or enjoyable in the class, while only 40% of the withdrawing students cited this factor; (6) 63% of the successful students indicated that "the instructor was interested in me," compared to 51% of the withdrawing students; (7) 56% of the successful students indicated that "staff was interested in me," compared to 40% of the withdrawing students; and (8) 82% of the successful students planned to return to SJCC the next semester, compared to 87% of the withdrawing students. Tabulated survey responses for all interview questions, and the survey instrument are provided. (PAA)