The study examines student experiences and learning using open education resources in Introduction to Sociology and Psychology courses. Research findings, assessment tools, curriculum, and strategies for growing open education are shared.
At West Hills College in Lemoore, California, instructors in sociology, psychology, and biology have implemented a survey asking students about their experiences using OER textbooks and course materials. Students provided video testimonials (available on YouTube) with feedback concerning resources published by OpenStax. The study included both quantitative and qualitative measures and shows results regarding student success, learning, accessibility, quality, and use of OER. Faculty share course shells, materials, student learning assessments, research instruments and provide technical assistance on methods for developing open education pedagogy.
West Hills College Lemoore (WHCL) is located in Central California and is one of two colleges in the West Hills Community College District (WHCCD). The college serves approximately 6,400 students and is a federal designated Hispanic serving institution offering programs designed to assist first generation and low income Hispanic students.
OER Student Learning Assessment Report Fall 2016 (Spring 2017 with biology in progress): https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B92UqzTjrcvuNXFsSy1iaThNMU0/view?usp=sharing
OER Course Reflection Survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15t_vWm8iBo6FLVZvNXpHIHN2hTbkHypSp_tehJlDv5s/edit?usp=sharing