Like many colleges, MGCCC has been focused on student retention and enrollment, particularly with the drop in enrollment since 2018. We know that keeping students engaged is key to their success, and that’s exactly why the RetAIn Project is focused on an innovative approach:
Project-Based Learning (PBL).
This isn’t your average textbook-and-test approach. PBL is a dynamic teaching method where students actively explore real-world problems and challenges. It’s a shift from the traditional classroom, where the instructor is a lecturer, to a classroom where they serve as a facilitator and guide. The research on PBL is clear: students involved in this type of learning show better problem-solving skills, improved critical thinking, and a better ability to work collaboratively. It even helps close the achievement gap, promoting equity across all student backgrounds.
The biggest takeaway for student success?
PBL is a powerful motivator. When students are working on a project they care about, they become more engaged, more invested, and more willing to put in the effort to succeed. Studies have found that PBL significantly improved retention among first-year college students. These projects provide a clear purpose for learning beyond a test score, which is a game-changer for student motivation and persistence.
As part of my work on the RetAIn Project at MGCCC, we are implementing this approach into practice. We are establishing a new training program to equip faculty with the skills necessary to teach with PBL. Our goal is to train faculty and redesign key courses to improve pass rates and increase student retention. I’m also providing faculty with resources like the “PBL Tool Chest” —a list of free technology tools curated specifically for our Math and English instructor cohort to help bring their projects to life in the classroom.
The goal of the RetAIn Project is to strengthen the institution by making our academic programs more relevant and more engaging for all students. By equipping our faculty with the skills to motivate students, we can inspire a culture of academic achievement and help students succeed from their first day to graduation.
Virtually Educated 