nancy donovan format-1€¦ · connect2complete: a conversation with professor nancy donovan c2c...
TRANSCRIPT
2
Connect2Complete, a program of Campus Compact supported by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, works with nine community colleges in Florida, Ohio and
Washington to utilize peer mentoring and community-engaged learning as strategies for retention of low-income, developmental education students.
1
3
Professor Donovan has seen a change in her classes since participating in Connect2Complete: “They seem more confident and relaxed. Students are very engaged and comfortable.” And, Professor Donovan says, her classes with Peer Advocates have higher test grades. In addition to having the support of a Peer Advocate, Professor Donovan’s C2C classes have also begun to engage in service-‐learning this semester. Her students are writing letters to high school students to tell them what they have learned in college and to offer advice: “They are reflecting on high school,” Professor Donovan explains, “Realizing the more connections you have, the more aware you are when you make choices.” Professor Donovan has also noticed that having the support of a Peer Advocate has helped students with disabilities engage more fully in her classes: “Peer Advocates are able to help bridge the gaps.” Overall, Professor Donovan reflects, “Connect2Complete has been a wonderful addition. It has really upped our ability to serve students.”
2
As a faculty member at Tallahassee Community College, Professor Donovan has seen that her students sometimes have trouble talking to instructors. But with the help of Connect2Complete, students are more likely to speak up: “Having a Peer Advocate in the classroom, students are encouraged to talk to the instructor. They see things and hear things differently. There’s a friendly culture in the classroom.” Peer Advocates also provide Professor Donovan a unique view on classroom activities: “It’s collaborative. The Peer Advocates think of activities that would be good coming from a student. They have a fresh perspective.”
1
Connect2Complete: A Conversation with Professor Nancy Donovan
C2C Faculty Member – Tallahassee Community College, FL