Using Team Learning to Improve Student Retention

Abstract

In an effort to improve the retention rate in their entry-level information systems course, the authors of this article integrated a team-learning approach into its instructional format. This article describes the steps taken, including how team learning compares with the traditional approach based on lecture with occasional group exercises, and presents data demonstrating the effectiveness of the team-learning approach in terms of student retention and performance. The authors found that the use of team learning significantly increased student retention but did not significantly change performance levels.

Keywords:

• collaborative learning
• student retention
• team learning