Co-Curricular Activities Promote Better Student Learning Outcomes
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES &
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
October 2011
Contact:
Andy Zehner
256 Schleman Hall
494-6743
alzehner@purdue.edu
Summary
Methodology
This report assesses the academic performance of students who are heavily involved in co-curricular activities.
Air Force ROTC, Army ROTC, Bands & Orchestras, Navy ROTC and Purdue Musical Organizations are included.
Presidential Scholars and Trustees Scholars are also included to allow comparison.
The analysis looks at student performance across six semesters, Fall 2008 to Spring 2011.
The dataset contains 7,392 records for engaged students and 182,666 records for all Purdue students.
Students’ academic performance is measured in terms of semester GPA and credits earned in a semester.
Findings
Engaged students earn higher GPAs and more credit hours than Purdue students overall. o 36.8% of all students earn both 15 or more credits and a 3.0 or higher semester GPA. o 51.8% of students in the five programs earn both
15 or more credits and a 3.0 or higher semester
GPA.
Engaged students perform better even when SAT scores, academic major and other factors are controlled. Engaged students’ average GPA exceeds the average GPA for all students at every SAT level.
Engaged students’ average GPA exceeds the average GPA for all students in every undergraduate grade classification and most colleges.
80%
Engaged students earn more credits & higher GPAs
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
15+ Credits
3.0+ GPA
Engaged Students
Commentary
Directors of the five programs explain the results by a combination of factors.
Members in the programs tend to be excellent students.
All members receive close supervision regarding their studies and academic goals.
Academic performance is stressed as a prerequisite for participation in the program.
Tutoring is arranged for members who need special help.
Members are
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
October 2011
Contact:
Andy Zehner
256 Schleman Hall
494-6743
alzehner@purdue.edu
Summary
Methodology
This report assesses the academic performance of students who are heavily involved in co-curricular activities.
Air Force ROTC, Army ROTC, Bands & Orchestras, Navy ROTC and Purdue Musical Organizations are included.
Presidential Scholars and Trustees Scholars are also included to allow comparison.
The analysis looks at student performance across six semesters, Fall 2008 to Spring 2011.
The dataset contains 7,392 records for engaged students and 182,666 records for all Purdue students.
Students’ academic performance is measured in terms of semester GPA and credits earned in a semester.
Findings
Engaged students earn higher GPAs and more credit hours than Purdue students overall. o 36.8% of all students earn both 15 or more credits and a 3.0 or higher semester GPA. o 51.8% of students in the five programs earn both
15 or more credits and a 3.0 or higher semester
GPA.
Engaged students perform better even when SAT scores, academic major and other factors are controlled. Engaged students’ average GPA exceeds the average GPA for all students at every SAT level.
Engaged students’ average GPA exceeds the average GPA for all students in every undergraduate grade classification and most colleges.
80%
Engaged students earn more credits & higher GPAs
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
15+ Credits
3.0+ GPA
Engaged Students
Commentary
Directors of the five programs explain the results by a combination of factors.
Members in the programs tend to be excellent students.
All members receive close supervision regarding their studies and academic goals.
Academic performance is stressed as a prerequisite for participation in the program.
Tutoring is arranged for members who need special help.
Members are