The first year accounting college course is considered a gatekeeper course. If a student fails this course, it could affect their entire degree program (Duchac & Amoruso, 2012). In addition, it might preclude them from employment opportunities in the accounting profession (Pratt, 2013; Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,…

Argues for learning communities as a fruitful milieu for cognitive development and knowledge construction. Provides a metaphor of a constructivist learning community organization grounded on French scientist and philosopher Pierre Teilhard de Chardin's theory of evolution. Asserts that Teilhardian thought is useful for conceptualizing a…

Describes Learning Choices, an orientation course developed by the author and offered at Northern Virginia Community College. States that the course was designed to give students control over what they learn, how they learn it, and how the learning outcome is measured. Suggests that new teaching strategies, such as distance learning, make…

Discusses the teaching perspective of Systemocentrism, or teacher/learner-centeredness, and two of its main elements: (1) attention to teachers' and learners' inner experience; and (2) attention to the intersubjective systems that develop among teachers and learners. Suggests that Systemocentrism provides faculty developers with a new tool for…

The Maricopa Community College District (MCCD) intends this document to serve as a starting point for focusing on the following major themes: (1) dialogue about learning, given that changes are occurring in and around the learning process; (2) a common understanding of learning as a complex process on order to provide a framework for dialogue; and…

This study evaluated two developmental learning communities, named the Integrated Studies Communities ISC, at Parkland College in Illinois. The primary purpose of the study was to compare the students in the ISC with similar underprepared students in the regular curriculum. The ISC offers four linked courses, and participating students take them…

Focuses on the benefits provided by telecommunication and the adaptation of distance learning models in higher education. Argues that distance learning is cost-effective, time-effective, accessible, and flexible, and that varying student populations and a changing economy make distance education a vital new tool. (NB)

Reports on a study of critical thinking goals in senior capstone courses. Finds that: (1) independent research and group projects are the most effective methods to teach critical thinking, according to faculty; and (2) students felt that they expanded their intellectual curiosity and learned to think more effectively because of these courses.…