Monday, May 18, 2009
Reading specialist earns Kellogg Institute certification
 Lori E. Saxby, reading skills specialist in University Division at the University of Southern Indiana, has received certification as a developmental education specialist from the Kellogg Institute for the Training and Certification of Developmental Educators. She was one of 45 people selected among qualified applicants to attend a four-week summer residence in 2008 and a supervised practicum at USI following the residency. In her practicum, she confirmed the course GENS 151: Applied Content Reading helped students transfer their reading strategies to other intensive reading courses. Her study is compiled in the report called, “Using a Comparative Study to Determine the Efficacy of a College Reading Strategy Course.” With the cooperation of faculty teaching Core Curriculum courses, Saxby surveyed students in Biology 105. The course was selected because of common text and syllabus, so variables could be reduced. Of the students who placed into and completed GENS 151 successfully (C or better) and either co-enrolled in BIOL 105 or took it the following semester, 62% earned a C or better in BIOL 105. In comparison, of the students who placed into GENS 151 but did not enroll in GENS 151, only 50% were considered to have completed BIOL 105 successfully. Saxby said, “Up until this time, we assumed the course was helpful. Students have self-reported that they are transferring the strategies learned in GENS 151 to their other courses and it is helping with their academic success. Now we have data to support that assumption.” Saxby said she was fortunate to have Dr. Hunter R. Boylan as her supervisor. He has made significant research and scholarly contributions to the field of developmental education and heads the National Center for Developmental Education. Saxby said there were other benefits to the experience. She said it showed her students who knew she was in the program the importance of life-long learning. She added it was a wonderful professional experience being with people of like interests who were committed to student success in higher education. Kathy Funke News and Information Services 812/465-7050 or kfunke@usi.edu |
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