Learning in the discipline of psychology : an action research project using the paired course model

Advisors: Sonya Armstrong.Committee members: Jodi Lampi; William Pitney; Norm Stahl.Institutional statistics at Midwestern University show that in some 100-level general education courses such as introductory psychology, nearly half of the students who were enrolled during the past several years failed. It can be argued that in many cases, students were either misprepared to meet course expectations or did not know how to study in those courses. The paired course model has been recognized as an effective approach for contextualizing reading and study strategy instruction, promoting immediate transfer of strategies, encouraging a sense of purpose, and equipping students with the literacies necessary for academic success.;The purpose of this qualitative action research study was to examine students' perceptions about reading and studying in introductory psychology (PSY 101) while co-enrolled in College Reading and Study Strategies (LTC 102). Analysis of observations, focus groups, interviews, and documents data showed that the biggest challenges participants experienced in PSY 101 were: keeping up with the pace of the lecture, comprehending the textbook, remembering and applying vocabulary, analyzing the syllabus, and effectively preparing for exams. Students' perceptions about their learning experiences throughout participation in the paired courses have potential implications for both the structure of introductory psychology courses and future applications of the paired course approach.Ed.D. (Doctor of Education