Examines students' frequent failure to write meaningful essays in light of their inability to use personal experience as a basis for their writing. Compares the processes of writing and experiential learning. Suggests ways of transforming writing assignments into learning experiences. (DMM)

Reviews literature on developmental students' negative attitudes toward mathematics and themselves. Describes a model for math tutoring emphasizing the reduction of math anxiety and development of capacities for independent learning through dialogue, analysis of error, response to affective needs, reeducation about the learning process, and…

Reviews recent research related to metacognition and mathematical problem-solving performance. Offers suggestions for classroom activities to teach the skills of metacognition (i.e., plan, monitor, and evaluate thinking) in the context of mathematics. Offers instructor observations and students' self-evaluations about the types of metacognitive…

Explains the constructivist theory of knowledge and discusses the theory's implications for teaching remedial college students. Analyzes student performance on a college placement test to highlight the differences between how novices and experts process scientific or mathematical materials. Suggests a radical change in introductory algebra…

Reviews current research to argue that minority students do not have learning styles different from students of the dominant culture. Stresses that an understanding of cultural and gender factors will help developmental instructors become more effective teachers. Suggests use of the "Connected Teaching" model of Belenky to develop such…