Uses the Gregorc Style Delineator (1982) as the basis for translating learning style theory into the following developmental education teaching practices: teacher-led lesson presentations, student group discussions and projects, independent assignments, and testing situations. Notes that most of the ideas presented should also apply to other adult…

Notes that flowcharting can be used to help college developmental writing students to think through the logical steps involved in writing. (FL)

Describes the cognitive pattern of perfectionist thinking and discusses its development. The stages and strategies of group intervention for this pattern are presented. Goals and a general orientation are outlined which include developing self-awareness, recognizing secondary gains, and disrupting the maladaptive cognitive system. (JAC)

College students enrolled in developmental mathematics and elementary algebra courses typically make the same mistakes repeatedly. Moreover, the same mistakes are made every semester, regardless of the students involved. Lev Vygotsky's concept of fossilization, which refers to the phenomenon of learning being lost over time and only behaviors…

The articles in this collection focus on reading, learning assistance, developmental education, and tutorial services at the college level. Topics of the 28 articles include the following: (1) a reassessment of the state of learning assistance; (2) a reaffirmation of the role of developmental instructors; (3) human brain research, cognitive…

Reports on a study of first-year college students who received instruction in metacognitive awareness for reading and writing. Describes metacognitive teaching strategies such as use of reflective journals or "reading logs," in which students recorded their thought processes as they read text and wrote papers. States that analyses of logs…

This collection of abstracts is part of a continuing series providing information on recent doctoral dissertations. The 12 titles deal with the following topics: (1) the effects of cognitive strategy training on reading achievement and Piagetian cognitive level among high risk college freshmen; (2) the impact of a college reading program on…

Describes a critical thinking course in which students perform ongoing critical analyses of themselves. Argues that developmental students lack internalized knowledge. Discusses four questions that students answer throughout the course: "Who are you?""How did you get that way?""What do you want to become?" and "Who are you now?" (AJL)

Describes a dissertation model used in teaching a critical-thinking course for developmental freshmen. Students learned how to create knowledge by linking the five-chapter model with the elements and standards of critical thinking, and by writing and defending their own 10-page dissertations. Discusses course strengths and weaknesses. Contains 13…

Describes the underlying human development theory that supports developmental-learning as opposed to remedial-learning assistance. Outlines a model of learning assistance based on these principles. (Author)

Drawn from a conference that focused on the present state and future direction of college reading and learning skills instruction, the articles in this collection are arranged into three categories: reviews, investigations and evaluations, and prescriptions and descriptions. Among the topics discussed in the 19 articles are the following: (1) the…

An approach to teaching students how to develop ideas, a major learning and study problem found among college students, is described. The strategy is a practical one that teaches the process of ordering concepts and data, and then how to use this process to solve problems and think critically. (MSE)

The question of whether basic skills courses belong in higher education is examined through a review of the literature. The following issues are discussed in terms of opposing and supporting positions: (1) economic concerns (recruitment of a wider pool of students necessitate basic skills courses but preserve enrollment levels); (2) academic…

Two main points should be noted concerning strategies recommended for teaching basic writing students. First, teachers can develop only those strategies that are consonant with their own personalities and that will enable students to develop their own writing strategies. Second, whatever strategies are selected should lead students beyond the…

Describes the research rationale for the developmental course offered to entering students at Upsala College (NJ) called "Precise Thinking." This skills-development program integrates reading, writing, and mathematical skills with underlying metacognitive processes to teach students perseverance and strategies for problem-solving and self-directed…