Student success using MySpanishLab
Pearson Results Team | May 21, 2021 in Meaningful Outcomes
In fall 2015, Pearson worked with St. Catharine College in Kentucky to investigate whether the use of MySpanishLab helped students succeed.
Researchers found that:
- Students averaged 93 percent on their MySpanishLab homework.
- There was a strong positive correlation between MySpanishLab homework scores and the final exam score, suggesting that students who score higher on MySpanishLab homework also perform better on the final exam.
- The success rate of this online course was 83 percent, a commendable rate for a first-time online language course.
Challenges and Goals
The Fall 2015 semester marked the first time in many years that a Spanish language course has been offered at St. Catharine. A primary goal in teaching this new course was to report back to the college the success of the class using hard data. Secondly, I wanted to ensure the online course would encourage active learning and allow students to engage with one another in a fun, interactive environment. Finally, I wanted to accurately grade all student assignments in a timely manner. MySpanishLab provided a solution to all of these needs.
Implementation
Based on their performance in pre-tests, MySpanishLab creates an individualized study plan with personalized auto-graded activities, vocabulary and grammar tutorials, and links to areas in the eText where more study is needed, all based on students’ correct and incorrect answers in the pre-test.
After reviewing suggested topics, students take a practice post-test to re-test their knowledge. At this point, post-test scores hopefully indicate improvement.
Students have three attempts on computer-graded homework. The highest score filters into the gradebook, and the correct answer is given after the third attempt.
Did MySpanishLab improve student success?
Active students (n=24) had an average score of 93 percent on their MySpanishLab homework. There was a positive correlation between MySpanishLab homework scores and the final exam.
The data suggest that students who score higher on MySpanishLab homework also perform better on the final exam.
The student experience
When asked, “What did you like most about MySpanishLab?” many students called out review and practice opportunities the program provided:
“I liked that the assignments gave you three chances to get the right answers, and if you did get a question wrong, it gave you a hint so you could get it right the next time.”
“I liked the end of chapter reviews. They helped me to prepare for the exams.”
