Academic and Locus of Control Enhancement in a Freshman Study Skills and College Adjustment Course

Abstract

From a previous regression analysis, 70 of 250 freshmen were identified as showing academic risk and enrolled in a study skills and college adjustment course. These students obtained higher grades than predicted, while grades of students not enrolled did not differ from predicted. Obtained GPAs for those not in the course were negatively correlated with locus of control; GPAs for students in the course were not so correlated. Examination of locus of control measures for a subset of the two groups indicated that enrolled students who initially scored external scored significantly more internal at the end of the semester. Results are discussed in terms of both GPA enhancement and taking personal responsibility for college success.