Term

2011

Capstone

Restricted Access Thesis

Degree Name

MAESL

Abstract

This study investigates if weekly phone calls to adult ELLs in distance learning leads to increased persistence and skills acquisition. Much of the work by Comings, Project IDEAL and the California Distance Learning Project points to lowlearner persistence as a common problem among ESL distance learners. This study documents one method tried to solve the problem of retention. The intervention method involved calling participants in an ABE program on a weekly basis to help them with distance learning problems and motivation. After ten weeks, participants' post-tests as well as the length of time they spent learning were compared to those who were not called. The findings indicate higher retention and more consistent study hours for those students receiving the weekly phone call.

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