The compelling results of a multi-faceted national efficacy study conducted during the 2009–2010 academic year show that college students using WileyPLUS improved their learning outcome by as much as a full letter grade on the equivalent of a final exam. The study also shows that WileyPLUS helps the least-prepared students catch up to the rest of the students in the class.

More specific results from the study show:

• Students at 4-year colleges and universities who use WileyPLUS improve their outcome by 4.3 points on a post-test measure, which is a 7% increase or about one half of a letter grade on the equivalent of a final exam.
• The impact from WileyPLUS use at 2-year schools is even more pronounced. The use of WileyPLUS results in a 5.4 point increase, which is an improvement of 9% in the outcome or about a full letter grade on the equivalent of a final exam.
• The use of WileyPLUS also lowers the variance of the student outcomes, meaning that the least-prepared students in the class perform better with WileyPLUS. In effect, the gap between the least-prepared and average students is narrower after completing a course in which students use WileyPLUS.

"Instructors often tell us that they feel discouraged when their students come to class unprepared and disengaged. They recognize that students may be lacking the requisite study skills to stay motivated throughout the semester.  One objective of our research was to determine if and how WileyPLUS addresses those issues," says Bonnie Lieberman, General Manager of the Higher Education group at Wiley.  "We conducted a tremendous amount of qualitative research to understand students’ approach to studying and how WileyPLUS can help them be more effective. Not surprisingly, we found that for many students, studying is hampered by anxiety and frustration. WileyPLUS helps alleviate some of this anxiety by providing students with instant feedback to help guide their efforts. Students tell us that WileyPLUS boosts their confidence and helps them improve their grades."

About the Study

The University of Tennessee's Institute for Assessment and Evaluation (IAE), on behalf of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (Wiley), conducted a national efficacy study to evaluate the impact of WileyPLUS. IAE recruited 11 Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), including 2- and 4-year IHLs. Different types of delivery included in-person, online, and hybrid to account for different learning environments. For the impact portion of the study, the enrolled students were not aware that the two sections were part of an experiment where the instructor chose one section to be a control group and the other to be a test group. The impact data was then analyzed by Broadview Analytics, Inc., an independent research firm.

About Wiley

Founded in 1807, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. has been a valued source of information and understanding for more than 200 years, helping people around the world meet their needs and fulfill their aspirations. Wiley and its acquired companies have published the works of more than 450 Nobel laureates in all categories: Literature, Economics, Physiology or Medicine, Physics, Chemistry, and Peace.

Our core businesses publish scientific, technical, medical, and scholarly journals, encyclopedias, books, and online products and services; professional/trade books, subscription products, training materials, and online applications and Web sites; and educational materials for undergraduate and graduate students and lifelong learners. To learn more, visit www.wiley.com.

About WileyPLUS 

WileyPLUS is a research-based, online environment for effective teaching and learning. For more information, please visit www.WileyPLUS.com.