In the final year of this project, cohort instruction (experimental group) with structured curricula and strong utilization of a staffed ESL listening lab was compared with traditional open entry/open exit classes (control group). The variables studied were student retention, student progress, and student satisfaction.
Students with a beginning level CASAS score had the option to join a cohort class. Cohort classes met twice a week for 8-weeks and students were required to attend listening lab a minimum of six hours a week. Instructional modules of 7-10 lessons were based on a student needs assessment. Students received certificates for each session completed. A satisfaction survey was administered at the end of each session.
Project coordinators found that cohorts resulted in significantly greater attendance and retention rates. CASAS scores were used to measure student progress. Even though the lessons did not specifically correlate to CASAS competencies, the cohort class showed a much larger increase in CASAS scores in two of the modules. By the end of the project year, cohort lessons were at the intermediate level. Student satisfaction surveys showed that the great majority of students were very pleased with the cohort classes.