Minimal Returns
…and that might be stating it generously, according to a new book entitled, “Academically Adrift: Limited Learning On College Campuses“. The book is based upon a groundbreaking study of more than 2,300 students at 24 separate four-year college institutions. The study shows that 45% of the students displayed NO significant gains academically after two years of college. After four years? 36% of them were still showing little progress.
USA Today reported on the study and provides a helpful pie graph to show how students spend their time during an average week. Umm…it’s not pretty and might help to explain the atrocious academic growth.
For those of you in academia or with kids whom you wish to give the opportunity of “higher learning”, this book might be very helpful, as you consider where you send your kids and what ways you ought to encourage them to fully make use of their time in these institutions, especially at $33,000/year for a private college and $16,000/year for a public one.
A couple findings of the study that caught my eye:
Students who study by themselves for more hours each week gain more knowledge — while those who spend more time studying in peer groups see diminishing gains.
Really surprised by that one…hmm.
Students who engage in off-campus or extracurricular activities (including clubs and volunteer opportunities) have no notable gains or losses in learning.
It seems some sort of balance is a healthy thing.
Students who spend more time in fraternities and sororities show smaller gains than other students.
Okay….so maybe fraternities and sororities don’t always encourage that good “balance”.
Students whose classes reflect high expectations (more than 40 pages of reading a week and more than 20 pages of writing a semester) gained more than other students.
No surprise there. Buy the book if you’re interested in learning more.
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Hey man,
You knocking my profession? :)
No, the book your blog readers should really buy is this:
Thriving at College
See some endorsements
But I’m biased! In a nutshell, the book is about how Christian college students can launch into responsible, fruitful adulthood for the glory of God against the backdrop of a young adult culture that often values perpetual recreation and the delay/avoidance of responsibility. I explore topics such as loving God with all your mind, growing in Christian character and maturity, striving for academic excellence, balancing work and recreation, finding your vocation, establishing godly friendships, handling the transition from high school to college, time management, financial discipline, and honoring parents while pursuing functional/economic independence.
Blessings!
Alex