Discusses a study of faculty development programs at 62 Texas community colleges and the means by and extent to which the programs were evaluated. Reveals that most programs were group-oriented, perceived as effective, and offered at higher rates than in the past. Suggests ways to improve evaluation criteria. (DMM)

Reports on a study of 34 occupational programs in 17 community colleges which were identified by a local administrator as effective or ineffective. Identifies 15 programmatic factors which were associated with the effective programs. (DMM)

Reviews research literature concerning the rates of participation in and the effectiveness of instructional development programs in community colleges. Considers methodologies and findings, and concludes that the most effective methods (e.g., microteaching, minigrants, consultants) respect teachers' desire to be experts in specialized disciplinary…

Studies the effects of explicitly teaching a problem-solving strategy on problem-solving ability, course average, course success, and student retention, focusing on two microeconomics courses. Indicates that teaching problem solving helps students with low problem-solving skills remain in class and succeed. (DMM)

Describes a study conducted to assess the effects of teaching a structured notetaking procedure to Calculus I students. Reports higher success rates among students who learned the technique than students taking the course the previous term, and increasingly positive attitudes toward the procedure over the course of the term. (DMM)

Reviews major research conducted between 1984 and 1989 on test anxiety among college, concluding that test anxiety may result from long-term memory problems. Explores techniques for reducing test anxiety, assessing the relative validity of each. Proposes a holistic approach to reducing test anxiety that addresses cognitive and emotional…

Assesses the effectiveness of methods used by instructors in Collin County Community College's psychology department to increase student involvement in learning: a laboratory component, extensive writing to learn, classroom research, and business/industry apprenticeships. Concludes that active participation promotes synthesis and integration of…

Identifies a number of factors considered by community college deans of vocational education to be vital in any determination of program success. Posits these critical factors (e.g., enrollment data, placement factors, student performance, student and employer satisfaction) within an institutional report card format appropriate for distribution to…

Presents a Collin County Community College District study assessing the effectiveness of "writing to learn" techniques in four Principles of Accounting classes, two taught in a traditional format with homework, and two using daily student journals. Reports promising results in terms of grades and retention rates. (DMM)

Describes a study of student attraction to and the effectiveness of "plus two" programs at a major midwestern research university, which ensure transfer of associate degrees without credit loss. Reports that "plus two" students had to complete fewer credits than traditional students to obtain baccalaureates. (DMM)

Describes a study of the use of experiential learning coupled with social change agentry among community college students. Compares the participation, attendance, learning retention, satisfaction, and effectiveness of university undergraduates and two-year college students involved in behavioral and child advocacy skills training and case work…

Assesses effects on student performance and retention of efforts to enhance learning in two introductory accounting courses through more opportunities for active learning, more frequent feedback on student progress, and better standardization of student performance evaluations. Reports improvements in student performance but no change in…

Assesses the effectiveness of Northwest Mississippi Junior College's 1984 Summer Youth Employment Training Program, which involved 133 disadvantaged learners between the ages of 14 and 21 in an eight-week educational program focusing on remediation in mathematics and communication skills, career exploration, and job-search skills. Reviews related…

Describes the evolution of Stetson University's More Effective Teaching Program (MET) from a writing-across-the-curriculum (WAC) faculty development program to a voluntary collaborative learning and teaching project. Focuses on the grassroots work of a faculty committee to design and maintain the research-based program. (DMM)

Describes Laney College's Project Bridge, a basic skills program designed for underprepared community college students. Discusses the program's basic tenets (i.e., student-centered classrooms, the primacy of spoken language, and incorporation of minority group culture and international awareness). Considers the program's goals and organizational…