Engineering residential learning communities: evaluating the impact on freshmen engineering students
Date Approved
8-20-2012
Embargo Period
3-3-2020
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A. Higher Education
Department
Educational Services, Administration, and Higher Education
College
College of Education
Advisor
Sisco, Burton
Subject(s)
Engineering students; Student housing--Resident satisfaction
Disciplines
Higher Education
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of an engineering living-learning community (ELLC) on freshmen enginering students. A control group of non-ELLC participants was used to compare the experiences of the ELLC students. Data were collected using Likert scale survey items and open-ended questions. Analysis of the survey data showed that there were significant differences between the ELLC students and non-ELLC students in how they responded to questions regarding social support, academic support, connectedness to campus, and satisfaction with the college of engineering and Rowan University. A focus group of ELLC participants was also conducted to get a better understanding of the participants' level of satisfaction in the program. Students reported that the ELLC program allowed them to make friends quickly and provided them with academic support. They also indicated that they wanted more say in ELLC programming and more diversity within the group. Furthermore, they mentioned that disputes were common among peers, but that they tended to be resolved quickly. Overall, the ELLC focus group said they were very satisfied or satisfied with the program and seemed happy to be part of the ELLC.
Recommended Citation
Flynn, Margaret, "Engineering residential learning communities: evaluating the impact on freshmen engineering students" (2012). Theses and Dissertations. 226.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/226