We report on a project to introduce interactive learning strategies (ILS) to physics classes at the Université Pierre et Marie Curie, one of the leading science universities in France. In Spring 2012, instructors in two large introductory classes, first-year, second-semester mechanics, and second-year introductory electricity and magnetism,…

In the 1980's and 1990's, results from flurries of standardized exams (particularly in 4th and 8th grade mathematics and science) reached the attention of ever-growing numbers of Americans with an alarming message: our children are not even close to keeping up with those in China, Japan, and Korea. As a step towards improving American classrooms,…

The purposes of this study were, on one had, to determine the impact of a peer tutoring program on preventing academic failure and dropouts among first-year students (N = 100), from Civil Engineering, Economics, Pharmacy, and Chemical Engineering careers; while, on the other hand, to identify the potential benefits of such tutoring program on the…

This paper describes research evaluating one intervention model designed to promote self-regulated learning by postsecondary students with learning disabilities, the Strategic Content Learning (SCL) approach. SCL aims to teach students to engage recursively in the full set of activities central to self-regulation by providing calibrated…

Discusses interviews of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students' conducted to assess their reactions to a tutorial project for improving cognitive performance in content courses through the use of talk and writing as learning tools. The study concludes that ESL learners should be given opportunities to use their own language resources to…

A study with 46 university students investigated whether participation either in a required first-year course in academic skills development or in required tutoring influenced students' academic self-efficacy, as measured by self-reported abilities and projected grades. Results support the use of required external academic support. (MSE)

The learning disabilities support program at the University of Michigan was evaluated in a multiple case study with 11 students with learning disabilities (10 males and 1 female and aged 19 to 24 years). The program includes a structured format that focuses on individual needs within specific courses. It employs scaffolding and training of…

The Academic Skills Center at Black Hills State University provides a peer assistance program comprising both individual tutoring in classes offered in each academic division and credit classes in study skills. The goal of the Center is to respond effectively and quickly to individual educational needs of students and faculty through a…

This manual for peer tutors on tutoring community college students was developed as part of the EASE (Equal Access for Students to Education and Experience) Project at seven community colleges in northeastern Minnesota. The manual provides a general overview of policies, benefits, and responsibilities related to peer tutoring. It then offers…