This paper analyzes how weekly study plans can increase student achievement in developmental mathematics courses at a four-year public institution of higher education. Quantitative data were collected regarding student completion of weekly study plans through an experimental methodology. Results show that students in the experimental group earned…

Until recently, many colleges provided academic support to students by requiring students to complete one or more developmental education courses in a subject area before they could enroll in college-level coursework. As early as 2010, research indicated that very few students were making it out of these developmental education courses and into…

Adult proficiency in numeracy in the United States lags that of other developed nations, and the nonselective institutions that dominate the higher education sector struggle to address the learning needs of the sizeable proportion of students who enroll in their institutions and are deemed academically underprepared in mathematics. Research on…

This article presents an interview with Dr. Paul Nolting, a national expert in assessing individual math learning problems, developing effective student learning strategies, and assessing institutional variables that affect math success. Since his dissertation in 1986 on improving math success with study skills Dr. Nolting has consulted with over…

Describes a continuing education course designed to develop students' confidence by equipping them with the skills needed for serious study. (JOW)

This paper presents a qualitative study that used classroom observations, faculty interviews, and student interviews to investigate the meaning and importance of seven non-cognitive variables to a cohort of developmental writing students at an urban community college. The variables studied included finances, study management, college surroundings,…

Supports the use of the Testing T as an organizational tool to help students anticipate exam questions based on notes from lectures and prepare sample answers. Answers students' common questions about the method, such as "How many questions should I write?" and "How long should it take?" (DMM)

Research has consistently found that college students, especially freshmen, are not independent learners. To help students become self-regulated learners, reading and study skills courses as well as academic assistance programs should be designed to address this concern. Students must develop an inventory of study strategies that can be…

The effectiveness of two academic achievement courses in improving quality point averages (QPAs) of educationally disadvantaged students was compared. One of the voluntary study skills courses taught specific study skills (study orientation skills--SOS), while the other purported to teach students to think like achievers (achievement motivation…

Describes administration of the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) to three groups of United States Military Academy students in order to evaluate changes in student performance as a result of taking a student-success course (RS101). LASSI measures students' affective growth upon completion of the RS101 course and their growth in…

This interview, with one of the most influential professors in the field of developmental education and study skills, reviews the state of reading study skills as they apply to college students. Also discusses the new sixth edition of his book, "How to Study in College." (SL)

Examined the effects of goal instability on performance of students enrolled in learning skills courses (N=60). Results showed students with high goal instability had lower grade point averages than students with low goal instability. (BH)

Discusses how developmental educators can provide support for students underprepared for the reading, writing, and mathematics requirements of distance education. Describes various technology tools that are available, including e-mail, bulletin boards, listservs, and chat rooms. Provides suggestions for developing a distance…

Discusses a study conducted at California State University, Dominguez Hills to develop data regarding the reading skills of a sample of upper-division students. Reports that 52-57% of those students who participated in all phases of the study presented reading skills below the expected college level. Recommends that more attention be paid to…

A study skills program is proposed to help students in developmental programs acquire the real learning process required for success in an academic setting. Based on a developmental, personalized theory of instruction, the program has a general planning and instruction procedure that contains the following three steps: (1) The study skills task is…