Mathematics has long served as a prerequisite to introductory financial accounting in the 4-year college business curriculum. However, 2-year colleges have been slower to adopt math as a prerequisite. Its usefulness in relation to achieving successful completion of accounting has not been demonstrated at either a 2-year or 4-year college. Using…

The geosciences continue to lag behind the other sciences in both diversity and degree completion rates of students transferring from two-year colleges (2YCs). Critical to strengthening the transfer student pipeline is the need to identify who takes introductory geosciences courses at the 2YC level and what factors contribute to increased 2YC…

This study investigated the effects the demographic variables age, gender, and ethnicity and their interactions had on academic performance in online courses delivered by public two-year colleges in Kentucky. The study controlled for previous academic performance measured by cumulative grade point average (GPA). The study used a random sample (N =…

Commentators in the profession are asking why adult continuing education students seem preoccupied over getting "a good grade" and "finishing school quickly" rather than pausing to consider how the teaching/learning process helps their personal growth and valuing learning for learning's sake. The purpose of this study was to identify, categorize,…

The authors teach upper-level science courses in cell biology, genetics, and biochemistry at a public, four-year "community university" that serves a demographically diverse population of traditional and nontraditional students. In this article, they describe some of the issues they have found to be particularly significant at their "community…

Describes a Texas community college program in which students earn "equivalent" college credits for learning experiences outside the traditional college classroom. Discusses qualifications for the program, companies cooperating in this program, and how the program works. (CT)

Argues that epistemological beliefs of community college students can impact their learning processes. Explains that epistemological beliefs interact with other knowledge structures. Reports on a study that explores the association between students' epistemological beliefs and learning processes. Suggests there are relationships between Fixed…

Describes Fox Valley Technical Institute's Perpetual Enrollment and Graduation (PEG) system, an individualized, open-entry/open-exit learning system. Discusses the use of cognitive mapping and placement and explores the application of the PEG concept in various curricular areas. Predicts the use of regional and home learning centers using…

The change in literature students from those with a strong literature background to those of the "Me" generation who have little exposure to critical reading is explored. Their subjective experiences applied to literature study can be more beneficial than traditional critical theories. (HTH)

Suggests developmental reading courses that permit the student to explore the text's meaning through his or her own experiences, rather than impressing on them one "correct" meaning. (HTH)

Reviews Northern Virginia Community College's Prior Learning Activity for Credit Evaluation (PLACE) program, which helps returning adult students and those attending college for the first time capitalize on their experiences and earn college credit for them. Describes the author's grant-related activities of revising PLACE's workbook and teaching…

Describes the Ontario college system's Prior Learning Assessment program for adult learners, focusing on outcomes and characteristics of students completing the process at Seneca College from April 1994 to February 1995. Indicates that of 77 participants, 46 were female, the mean age was 31, and 81% passed the process successfully. (BCY)

Describes Orange Coast College's Assessment of Prior Learning (APL) program, which involves student preparation of a fully documented autobiographical essay and an assessment procedure used to award credit for demonstrated competencies. Highlights faculty and industry involvement. (DMM)

Describes a study that was conducted to examine the receptivity of faculty at two-year and four-year colleges and universities to distance education. Attitudes toward distance education, the influence of previous experience with distance education and with educational media is examined, and barriers to distance education are discussed. (Contains…

Describes a study examining the usefulness of both comprehensive assessment models (utilizing computerized placement tests, high school grade point averages [GPAs] and rank, and student characteristics) and reduced models for predicting community college GPA. Suggests that comprehensive measures, including both academic and nonacademic variables,…