The experiences of African American students in a basic skills learning community at a four year public university

UnrestrictedThis evaluative study explores the experiences of twelve African American students enrolled in a basic skills learning community entitled "Freshman Connection" at an urban public four-year university. Participants were all first time freshmen participating in the Freshman Connection program designed to successfully complete nine units including either their basic skills English or math courses and remain enrolled beyond the first year. Participants were observed in one of their three linked courses and interviewed during their last two weeks of enrollment in the program to evaluate their experiences and determine if the Freshman Connection was meeting their needs as minority students. The study provided mixed results as to the success of the program for these students. It was determined the program provided academic and social integration to the campus. However, students reported racial segregation and stereotyping occurring within and beyond the learning community. Based on the results of this study, I set forth an agenda for improvements to the program so that the retention of African American students is improved and all students feel a part of the learning community