Central Alabama Community College

QEP Roundtable Discussion
Nursing Division
July 29, 2004
Distance Learning Labs, 3:00 p.m.
 

Present: Melenie Bolton, Bettie Norman-Walker, Renee King, Barbara Hicks, Melissa Mays, Susan Kilgore, Barbara Anne Spears

Spears provided an overview of the QEP. She explained that the plan will evolve in three phases: math in 04-05, English/reading in 05-06, and a “Student Success Center” (to be renamed) in 06-07. The math phase is under way; the College will begin using the “I Can Learn” software in a self-paced lab setting. English/reading teachers will work throughout the upcoming year to develop a plan for developmental reading and writing. The “Success Center” will provide physical space in which students may gather to study, peer tutors, and success workshops on such topics as study skills, time management, test taking skills, etc. These workshops will be open to all students but attendance will be required for transitional students.

Nurses noted that these support mechanisms will be helpful to nursing students who are juggling many activities. Many returning adult students pursue nursing and need assistance with study skills and test taking skills.

Spears said that instructors teaching in credit courses will be able to write a “prescription” for mastery of a specific skill; the student will be able to take that “prescription” to the “Success Center” and get the needed assistance.

Hicks said that many nursing students become frustrated because of a need for additional math skills.

Math for Nursing will be deleted beginning Fall 2005. However, in the past, students may have been delayed in their entry into the nursing program because of a need for developmental courses. The new “I Can Learn” program will allow students to complete more than one developmental course in one term, which may prevent such long delays.

Nurses discussed the fact that students often do not realize their weaknesses, so they are surprised when they are placed in a developmental course. This can be discouraging for students.

Most agreed that their students do not generally place into developmental reading. However, as the student body becomes more diverse, the College may see an increased number of students for whom English is not the native language. A need for enrollment in developmental reading/English and/or a need for “prescriptions” for specific identified needs in reading/English may be prevalent in the future.

Spears thanked everyone for their participation and reminded them to read the newsletter. With no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 3:27 p.m.
 
CACC QEP  Home CACC Home Last Updated: July 30,  2004