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Using CPR to Revive Students GWAR Scores at Cal Poly Pomona

Using CPR to Revive Students GWAR Scores at Cal Poly Pomona. Devon Hackelton California State Polytechnic University Pomona CSU Campus Best Practices Conference 20 October 2006. GWAR History: The GWT. Graduation Writing Test at Cal Poly Pomona

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Using CPR to Revive Students GWAR Scores at Cal Poly Pomona

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  1. Using CPR to Revive Students GWAR Scores at Cal Poly Pomona Devon Hackelton California State Polytechnic University Pomona CSU Campus Best Practices Conference 20 October 2006

  2. GWAR History: The GWT • Graduation Writing Test at Cal Poly Pomona • Created in 1977 to satisfy the CSU Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) • Test is 75 minute timed writing on a general knowledge topic

  3. GWT History • Graded by two readers on a 1-6 scale: scores added together • A combined score of 7 or higher is passing.

  4. GWT History • At Cal Poly, between 80-90% of first-time GWT test-takers earn a score of 7 or higher. • However, the pass rate for those who must retake the exam (initially fail) is typically 20% and the pass rate declines for each failed attempt.

  5. GWT History • Cal Poly is one of only four CSU campuses that relies solely on a test to satisfy the GWAR (Humboldt, Long Beach and Northridge are the other three.) • Other CSU campuses offer both a test and a class or just a class to satisfy the GWAR.

  6. The GWT-CPR Program • The GWT-CPR Program at Cal Poly is designed to assist students who have attempted the exam three or more times. • Students who complete the program are eligible to take a second GWT with a 2 hour time limit.

  7. GWT-CPR Program: General Information • The GWT-CPR program is designed to: • Allow students practice in writing timed essays on sample GWT topics. • Read and evaluate other students’ practice essays. • Gain feedback from University Writing Center tutors. • Revise the practice essays to create a portfolio of work.

  8. GWT-CPR Program: General Information • The GWT-CPR Program is an online program that utilizes students’ Cal Poly email account for communications.

  9. GWT-CPR Program: CPR Overview • Students use the CPR website to write five sample GWT essays.

  10. GWT-CPR Program: CPR Overview • Students must also assess three calibration essays, three peer essays and their own work for each assignment. This is conducted on-line.

  11. GWT-CPR Program: Using Blackboard • Blackboard houses the announcements, handouts, Powerpoints, and web links for the program.

  12. GWT-CPR Program: Using Blackboard • A Discussion Board is created for each assignment to provide UWC tutor feedback to the students’ initial essay.

  13. GWT-CPR Program: Using Blackboard • Students submit initial and revised essays to Digital Dropbox to create a portfolio.

  14. GWT-CPR Program: Sample Assignment Sequence • There are five basic steps to each assignment: • Submit essay to CPR website. • Complete the Calibrations and Reviews on the CPR website. • View the student feedback on the CPR website. • Submit a copy of essay and revision plan to Blackboard for UWC tutor feedback. • Revise essay and submit the revision to the Digital Dropbox on Blackboard.

  15. GWT-CPR Successes • Between Fall 2005 and Summer 2006 the GWT-CPR program targeted students who have not passed the GWT at least three times. • Total Enrollees who completed program: 136 • Total Enrollees who passed the GWT: 46 • Pass Rate:34% (about double the typical pass rate for the targeted group)

  16. GWT-CPR Challenges • Program does not have automated technical support. • Some student accounts are inactive due to separation from the university (no Blackboard profile or email) • Second GWT is offered the Tuesday after Final’s Week. • Lack of computer usage for second GWT • Pass rate trends /re-tooling

  17. GWT-CPR Future • Model for CSU-wide EAP Writing Program. • Possible evolution into a bona fide class as alternative to the GWAR. • Possible inclusion of computers for exams

  18. Thanks for learning about the GWT-CPR Program This program is run in cooperation with the University Writing Center, the University Test Center, the Department of Undergraduate Studies and a host of dedicated Cal Poly Pomona staff and faculty!

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