The effectiveness of writing centre interventions on student writing in higher education has been well-documented in academic literacies studies. This paper changes the focus of investigation from student to consultant and, consequently, explores the way in which an academic writing centre can function as a mentoring environment for young…

Describes ways to help students improve their spelling ability. (MKM)

Discusses the confusion that results from differences among various labels used in developmental and basic education programs. Proposes clarification of such terms as "center,""lab,""individualized," and "clinic" and suggests definitions for proper usage. (DR)

As community colleges open their doors to a wider range of students a variety of programs must be designed to develop basic skills in underachievers. (Editor/IR)

Presents abstracts of four documents from the ERIC junior college collection that deal with the special programs or techniques used by two-year colleges to help students needing remedial or developmental assistance. (DR)

Learning assistance is a relatively new idea in education in the United States since most learning centers have come into existence since 1970. Although developmental education has become accessible in remote areas and many financial and psychological barriers have been lifted, much more could be accomplished in this area if more evaluative…

This monograph, consisting of four sections, focuses on developmental education in the higher education setting. The first section, by Johnnie Ruth Clarke, provides an overall perspective on learning through developmental programs. Included are discussions of the developmental approach, developmental students and instructional activities, and…

This paper describes a developmental writing course at Purdue University. The author argues that the basics of such a course as far as the student is concerned are motivation and a desire to learn writing, communication, careful diagnosis, organized plan for student mastery, provision for transferral, and reward. Helping students develop a desire…

A report of an on-going experimental program utilizing "talking typewriters and teacher aides in a government-funded center to supplement reading instruction. (RD)

Based on the learning theories of Benjamin S. Bloom, the program described in this report aims to help students develop basic skills for success in college work. The program, created for Virginia Highlands Community College, centers around English and mathematics learning laboratories. All students can enroll in regular college level courses, but…

This paper describes support programs and services at the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) designed to provide alternatives for the nontraditional student. All entering students scoring below the 20th percentile on the reading section of the Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills are advised to enter a program named Project II, a block…

THE SYSTEMS APPROACH TO INSTRUCTION INVOLVES A CAREFUL SPECIFICATION OF LEARNING OBJECTIVES IN BEHAVIORAL AND MEASURABLE FORM, FOLLOWED BY A SUCCESSION OF EVALUATION-REVISION CYCLES IN THE INSTRUCTIONAL PROCESS, UNTIL NEW STUDENTS EXPOSED TO THE PROCESS ACHIEVE THE DESIRED OBJECTIVES. SEVEN MAJOR PAPERS WERE PRESENTED AT THE CONFERENCE--(1) THE…

The Free Studies program at Alvin Junior College offers remedial and nontraditional instruction and assists in the development of alternate path learning programs. The program currently offers three courses: writing, mathematics, and study skills. All instruction is self-paced, individualized, and on a prescriptive basis as the result of…

Developmental education is based on a learning model as opposed to a teaching model. It requires strong communication between the student and teacher and depends upon a supportive learning environment. Some of the components of developmental education are: (1) diagnostic services which seek to answer why the student cannot learn; (2) independent…

Attributes the high rate of academic success of freshmen at Vincennes University to its developmental program. Aspects of the program include: mandatory enrollment for those with inadequate Scholastic Achievement Test scores, mathematics and reading laboratories, modularized classes, and support services. Assesses evidence of program success. (AYC)