Dynamic Peer Network Processes and Eventual Major Selection Among Learning Community Students Exploring Majors

• In Event: Significance of Social Networks and Capital in Student Life

Abstract

College administrators construct learning communities for undecided students in order to help them make peer connections as they explore and decide on a major. However, the peer community development mechanisms and their associated major declaration outcomes are not well understood, especially in virtual instructional environments. We use Stochastic Actor-Based Modeling to examine the evolution of peer networks among first-year undecided students in order to understand community formation processes, especially peer selection and peer influence, and their associations with eventual major decision. Initial modeling suggests atypical community development processes occurring within the online learning community. Results will have implications for the ways undecided students connect with each other and the institution, as well as how curriculum is structured.

Authors

• Rachel Smith, Iowa State University
  Presenting Author

• Michael Brown, Iowa State University
  Presenting Author

• Jennifer Tipton, Iowa State University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Monica Martinez, Iowa State University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Stephanie Sowl, ECMC Foundation
  Non-Presenting Author