Research in metacognition has long demonstrated that applying metacognitive strategies improves students learning and performance. Incoming college and university freshmen are not typically trained in using the metacognitive skills that could enhance their academic performance and their satisfaction with the college experience. This study attempted to assess first-year university students' metacognitive awareness and usage at two levels: (a) After direct and specific metacognitive training, (b) after engaging in weekly metacognitive reflection assignments. Six classes of university freshmen were studied in terms of their use of metacognitive skills and strategies as they progressed through their initial semester. Four of the six classes were trained in metacognitive skills and strategies using the Metacognitive Skill Instruction. Two of these four classes were prompted to specifically reflect on their use of metacognitive skills and strategies. The other classes were not prompted about their use of metacognition. Students' metacognitive performance was assessed at the end of the semester using the Metacognitive Awareness Inventory. Results show there was no initial difference between groups yet a significant difference between posttest and retrospective pretest scores was found for all three groups at the end of the term.

This study is an attempt to address the problem associated with a high percentage of freshman students, at a private Christian high school in Florida, who either fail Algebra 1 or pass with a low percentage rate. As a result, these students either retake Algebra 1 or continue on—being inadequately prepared to successfully pass Geometry and Algebra 2. This study concentrates on the student background knowledge of mathematics, which is among the causes associated with this problem, and proposes remediation. As such, a mathematics remediation course is designed and implemented for a select number of incoming freshmen. This study includes a correlational examination to determine a possible correlation between students' background knowledge of the middle school mathematics and predicts a possible failure or successful completion of Algebra I in high school. In addition, it purposes a two-stage evolution plan in order to determine the effectiveness of the design of the remedial course as well as its effectiveness. Undertaking the design evaluation, this study uses a mixed-modes design consisting of a qualitative (interview and observation) of a number of participants and a quantitative examination (survey) of a larger sample. The correlational study indicates that there is a positive and moderately strong correlation between students' background knowledge in (middles school) mathematics and their grades in Algebra 1. The evaluation concludes that students find the design of the MIP program helpful and aesthetically appealing; however, its usability did not meet the evaluation criteria. Furthermore, the MIP Program Manager and teacher are fully satisfied with its design, content, and components.

Literature reveals that college freshmen that reside on American campuses partake in many risky health behaviors, but little is known on the effects of housing on these risk behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine the health risk behaviors of college freshmen that lived in either traditional, non-themed housing or in wellness themed housing (WELL) and if there was a difference between the two. Four research questions guided this study: (1). What are the risk behaviors of freshmen college students? (2). What are the risk behaviors of students in the WELL LC? (3). What are the risk behaviors of freshman residing in traditional housing? (4). What are the differences in risk behaviors between the freshmen living in the WELL LC and traditionally housed freshmen? The health risk behaviors that were determined for testing were injury-related behaviors, substance use behaviors, sexual behaviors, dietary behaviors, physical activity and sleep. The instrument used was a combination of the National College Health Risk Behavior Survey and Epworth Sleep Survey. The Traditional and the WELL completed the surveys in the beginning of the fall semester and again at the end of the spring semester of the same academic year. There were a higher percentage of alcohol-related injury behaviors, substance use and sexual activity in traditional residents. Dietary behaviors, physical activity and sleep behaviors were not significantly different between Traditional and WELL residents. The conclusion of this study indicated that the WELL housing may have had a positive effect on abstaining from alcohol, drugs, and sexual behaviors. Further research is needed to explore the root cause of these behavioral differences. / Ph. D.

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Student affairs practitioners attempt to combine in-class and out-of-class learning. One example of this is first year residential programs. In these programs freshmen live together in one residence hall. Each program is different, but common characteristics include increased student staff, freshmen seminar, and increase programming on adjustment issues. This study examines one first year program (FYP) and attempts to determine the effects of the program on the academic success of the participants. Gender differences and ethnic differences were also examined. Academic success was defined as those elements of students' collegiate experiences that relate to retention and graduation. The instrument used in this study was based on a specific definition of academic success. Five hundred and thirty five students were asked to participate in the study, and a total of 249 usable instruments were returned, for a response rate of 48.44%. Of the 249 participants, 264 (49.35%) were in the FYP and 271 (50.65%) were not in the FYP. The non-FYP students lived in a variety of buildings on campus. There were significant findings in several areas of academic success. FYP participants had higher grades overall and completed more class credits. FYP students were more likely to understand academic policies and requirements. FYP students were more likely to complete all assignments before class and they were more likely to begin taking steps towards their career goals. Students in the FYP also reported higher levels of contact with faculty and higher attendance at university events. The FYP appeared to offer opportunities that enabled students to reach higher levels of academic success. / Master of Arts

The problem of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a guidance-structured summer session for entering university freshmen. The performances of students entering this type of program were compared with those of students entering a traditional type of summer school. Inferences made relating to the contributions of a guidance-structured summer session to entering university freshmen were based on analyses of the following characteristics: (1) performance on standardized tests; (2) certain aspects relating to high school background; (3) academic achievement and retention at Texas A. and M. University; (4) fathers' attendance at Texas A. and M. University; and (5) fathers' occupations.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 1999. / Includes bibliographical references.

M.A. / The objective of this research is to determine the effectiveness, or lack of, the mentor program, as part of the Rand Afrikaans University's (RAU) project 100, as well as obtaining workable suggestions to improve the mentorprogram. Project 100 was developed through RAU for first year students who did not obtain full exemption, but who were conditionally accepted. In the program the focus is on three main fields, namely: cognitive, meta-cognitive development, personal development and social adaptation. A variety of skills are taught to the students, in every field, so that the student can develop in total. The hope is through acquiring these skills the student will become more self-sufficient. Data is obtained through qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Qualitative research consists of the interviews with students that took part in Project 100, as well as the analysis of mentor reports. Quantitative research is obtain by using the following measurement instruments: ability, processing of information and learning (LASSI), the learning and the General Questionnaire about Lifeskills and Aptitude. Exam marks were also used. Quantitative results shows that most students are positive towards the mentorprogram, but factors such as transport, freedom of choice of attendance and uncertainty about procedures influenced the program negatively. Results in turn shows that students who attend the program did not obtain higher academic results than the student who did not attend the program. Even though the student attended Project 100, this does not guarantee the students academic success. The students attitude, motivation and preparedness to acquire new skills and the ability how to implement them influences the success of the students academic, personal and social life.