Discoveries

The Keep in School Shape (KiSS) Program has supported hundreds of university students over multiple academic breaks as they transition between introductory mathematics courses. By engaging with the program during these breaks, students maintain their mathematical skills, reinforce foundational concepts, and prepare for the challenges of subsequent coursework. Consistent feedback from participants highlights increased confidence, sustained retention of critical topics, and smoother transitions into new material when classes resume. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the KiSS Program in helping reduce the learning loss that often occurs during extended academic breaks.

Students will do more than one problem daily! Regardless of confidence level and starting level, students will complete about 60% of the available daily problems. For the current KiSS configuration, that’s 3-4 problems a day!

Students are good judges of what they remember! The more confident they are that they will be able to solve a problem, the more likely they are to get it correct.

Students want to get things right! When they get the Level 1 problem wrong, they choose to get a hint and try it again. Students with less confidence view the solution and then try the similar problem.

Badges

Our research shows that students are willing to voluntarily review material during academic breaks using the KiSS Program. However, there is an opportunity to improve the consistency of their participation. One effective way to encourage regular engagement is by implementing a digital badge system that rewards students for their ongoing involvement throughout the program. These badges emphasize the importance of cognitive fitness through mental exercise and celebrate key mindset qualities of a learner such as initiative, exertion, drive, endurance, commitment, and community, Preliminary results suggest that a thoughtfully designed badge system can effectively foster sustained engagement, reinforcing the value of maintaining cognitive fitness through regular academic practice.

KiSS Program badges recognize and reward habits of mind that support long-term learning. Each badge represents a different way students can demonstrate ownership of their learning each day, and the central badge represents the ultimate achievement: stamina. It’s awarded to students who finish the day having earned every possible badge—evidence of consistency, focus, and full engagement.

Initiative means taking action and leading the way, even when it is difficult. It is important because it helps build self-esteem. Students earn an initiative badge for starting at level 2.

Exertion means putting effort into achieving goals. It helps you grow from pushing yourself further and taking on challenges. Students earn an exertion badge for leveling up.

Drive means staying motivated and trying again after a setback. It helps you grow by turning mistakes into opportunities. Students earn a drive badge for viewing a hint and retrying a problem.

Endurance means setting goals and having the confidence and stamina to see them through. It helps you achieve larger goals. Students earn an endurance badge for doing the similar problems.

Commitment means making pledges to achieve goals. It helps you keep on track and maintain a clear focus. Students earn a commitment badge for doing flashcards.

Community means cultivating togetherness with others. It helps you feel connected and included. Students earn a community badge for taking part in trivia.

Funding Acknowledgement

This project is supported by the National Science Foundation. As part of this grant, we are studying the relationship between different incentive structures and the KiSS Program. Learn more.