Discusses the effects of mastery learning and criterion-referenced grading schemes on student memory and motivation to succeed. Indicates that such programs are effective in college level developmental education programs. Provides suggestions for establishing criterion-referenced grading schemes, including several variants of mastery grading…

Discusses Arthur Chickering's Seven Vectors of College Student Development in relation to the author's own growth as a freshman college student and to that of the first-year students she worked with as a developmental educator. Explains that Chickering's theory encompasses the intellectual, physical, and social growth of the student. (Contains 40…

States that cooperative learning in developmental mathematics classes has greater success rates than do traditional remedial courses. Discusses learning communities--in which instructors work with other instructors to help students connect mathematics with other disciplines, and in which there is an increased level of peer interaction--as an…

Proposes looking at the percent symbol (%) as an operator, which means to divide any number in front of it by 100. Stresses the importance of using correct words to describe the numbers generated in percent calculations. Explains how to (1) calculate percent using equivalent fractions; (2) divide fraction numerators by denominators, retaining the…

Discusses the experiences of a student at a selective admissions university with a moderately high IQ (119) but who also had a learning disability that impeded his academic success. Uses the case study to examine which students really belong at the university and which are allowed to stay there. (MAB)

Argues that an understanding of the dynamics of life transitions is crucial to effective adult education programs. Examines the "stage/phase" theory of transitions, maintaining that transitions occur in predictable sequences, and the "life event" theory, which views transitions as the result of social processes. (22 citations) (MAB)

Reviews the current literature to determine the extent to which affect influences the achievement levels of students. Highlights research findings in mathematics, reading, writing, and instructional strategies. Suggests that although affect may be a significant factor in determining the academic success of developmental freshmen, more research is…

Examines the role of executive function, or the ability to maintain the appropriate problem-solving set for attainment of a future goal, in academic success. Describes causes of executive function deficits, common manifestations, methods for assessing the problem, and strategies for remediating related problems. (26 citations) (MAB)

Examines the current literature on student motivation in the classroom, highlighting working definitions, patterns of activity, and categories of motivation. Indicates that no measure or test of motivation prescribes specific actions by instructors, and suggests that teachers should trust their personal judgment regarding classroom motivational…

States that many of the accommodations typically made for students with disabilities can benefit all students--most, for example, can benefit from extended time or alternative test formats. Asserts that Universal Instructional Design (UID) can be applied to all students, as it takes into consideration the differences in learning styles of both…

Describes a survey on student motivation and presents developmental education students' responses describing their strategies for academic success. Addresses the importance of combining effort with effective study strategies, planning, finding a quiet space, being persistent, and preparing for class. (NB)

Reviews research addressing the relationship between native language skills and success in learning a foreign language. Describes four components of a language-based model for diagnosing foreign language learning problems. Highlights three major intervention strategies for at-risk foreign language learners. (53 citations) (MAB)