Examines and evaluates three approaches used by community colleges to provide academic assistance to educationally underprepared students: offering compensatory programs and services as electives; requiring certain students to participate in skills courses; and offering basic skills instruction as part of regular courses. (DMM)

The processes and effects of state performance audits of postsecondary academic programs are illustrated by case studies in Wisconsin and Virginia. Main problems are: the difficulty of establishing legislative intent; lack of appropriate performance indicators, measures, and standards, and issues of timeliness and impact. (MLW)

Study investigated the effects of a service-learning component in an undergraduate occupational therapy course. Comparisons were made between students involved in service-learning and those not involved of how they perceived institutionalized older adults' perspectives on disease and aging. Also evaluated were weekly journal entries of the…

A case study model of assessment was developed at Portland State University (Oregon) to measure the impact of service-learning on four constituencies (student, faculty, community, institution). The case studies blend qualitative and quantitative measures to assess impact and provide feedback for continuous improvement. Insights from the design…

Summarizes a case study examining how a nongraded, multiage schooling structure differs from a traditional grade structure, based on participants' perceptions. The ungraded school studied used responsive instruction, fostered student leadership and collaboration, created a family of learners, and encouraged student independence and responsibility.…

A multiple case study was conducted, using constant comparison of interview transcripts with three counselors and three families who had recently completed counseling using a postmodern approach. Counselors saw a process of negotiating expectations, while family members felt they received the type of service they expected when they began…

Results of a study of 30 Indonesian fifth-grade teachers support the value of intensive, research-based teacher training programs in changing teacher behavior and increasing teacher effectiveness. The effect of such programs appears limited to those behaviors and outcomes which reflect the primary focus or emphasis of the program. (IAH)

An 8-year follow-up study in New South Wales, Australia, examined changes in adaptive and maladaptive behavior following relocation of 10 individuals with severe or profound intellectual disabilities from a large residential setting to smaller community-based facilities. The study found no discernible changes in adaptive behavior and substantial…

Discussion of computerphobia among college students focuses on a model program, the Computerphobia Reduction Program, that was developed to reduce computerphobic reactions among students. Personality factors and computer experience are considered, computerphobia screening measures are described, program results are reported, and future directions…

Describes an alternative method for identifying exemplary practices in early childhood education programs. In this approach, parents and practitioners identify exemplary practices after coming to know the practices and the context in which they operate through observation, interview, and document review. Discusses methodological issues raised by…

Reports on an evaluation of a 1989 summer program at the University of Colorado (Colorado Springs) designed to motivate and prepare low-income minority sophomore and junior college students to go on to graduate study. Results with 23 Chicanos, 2 Native Americans, and 1 Asian American support the program's effectiveness. (SLD)

In the University of California (Davis) Program in College Teaching, graduate teaching assistants develop and fulfill contractual agreements for faculty-guided investigations into their disciplines, with supporting individualized activities about practices and issues of college teaching. Aspects of the program's development and effectiveness are…

Reviews the Using World Issues in the News (U-WIN) program developed for a six-county area in Indiana served by the "Indianapolis News" newspaper. Explains and evaluates program implementation: articles on world issues published in the newspaper for classroom use; lesson packets; workshops; site visits; and presentations. Concludes the…

A study of a summer bridge program's effects on low-income and minority groups students during their first year at the University of California, Los Angeles, found that such programs can facilitate transition and adjustment to university or college life and improve academic performance and persistence rates. (Author/MSE)

A study investigated the effectiveness of two- and 3.5-day domestic-violence interclerkships in improving the knowledge, attitudes, and skills of two successive cohorts of University of Massachusetts third-year medical students. Participating students immediately and significantly improved in each of these areas and fully or partially sustained…