A Course in Context: Video Course Trailers

This study reports the development of a “course trailer” video series that communicates the professional and academic value of general education courses’ core competencies and describes the results of a survey measuring the impact of those videos on student perception. While general education programs represent a staple of U.S. undergraduate education, enrolled students frequently misunderstand the nature and value of the programs’ core goals and or competencies. Universities are making increasing use of devices such as catalog descriptions, mission statements, course websites or blogs, and course trailer videos to communicate and clarify their general education competencies and values; however, little empirical research exists demonstrating the efficacy of such devices. This study’s results provide statistically significant evidence that the course trailer video series improved students’ general education course contexts, and their understanding of how the courses fit into both their academic and professional plans.