Most of America's newest college students are the white sons and daughters of blue collar workers who, because of increased college access, are often poor students academically as well as poor students financially. Colleges must be prepared to offer these students a new kind of learning experience to make freedom of access to college more than a…

From a goal of academic excellence for the few in the 1950's, higher education moved to a goal of educational opportunity for all in the 1960's. Although the open access philosophy led to the influx of many poorly prepared students, the teaching methods of the 1950's persisted. Only in the 1970's have college teachers begun to deal with the…

This retrospective picture of college students over the past 30 years reflects what has been written about students in "Change" magazine between 1969 and 1999. Using the analogy of a museum gallery, the student portraits are grouped into five eras; each of which dominated the literature for approximately 10 years. The Gallery of Student Protest,…

Uses the imagery of pioneer life to underscore the uncertainty of today's community college mission. Discusses the community college characteristics that represent a significant departure from traditional higher education: equal opportunity, open admissions, community involvement, comprehensive curriculum, and teaching orientation. Proposes…

Argues that the practices of higher education (e.g., classes, semesters, and grades) are increasingly incompatible with the purpose of maximizing student learning and growth. Discusses the affective and cognitive advantages of a mastery approach to granting credit. (AYC)

The challenge of structuring college curriculum to meet all of the educational needs of new students to higher education (those who would not be in college except for open admissions policies) is considered in this book. Research studies on teaching, learning, and student development form the basis for improvements in college programs outlined.…

The dilemma of maintaining academic standards as well as open access policies is discussed in this paper with respect to the causes of and possible solutions to the problem. Trends leading to the standards/open access dilemma are first considered, including the dominant belief in the 1950's that education served to select and groom the most…

Though recent research indicates a stronger sense of purpose and satisfaction among faculty at community colleges relative to four-year institutions, criticism of community colleges for alleged deficiency in facilitating transfer to the four-year schools is widespread. This function however, is only one of the many comprehensive services provided…