This case study tracks the application of project-based learning (PBL) during four separate college terms at Portland Community College in Portland, Oregon. Each term follows a different learning community of first-term college students enrolled in a program of developmental education (DE), reading, writing, math, and college survival and success…

This book-length study justifies, describes, and gives an initial evaluation of the general education model developed at Los Medanos College (California). The opening chapter presents a detailed philosophic argument in favor of general education as a principle, and in support of the innovative aspects of the Los Medanos model. The argument is for…

The Higher Education Learning Package (HELP) program at Sacramento City--an interdisciplinary approach to basic skill development for high-risk, nontraditional students--has four goals: (1) promotion of student retention at the community college through cognitive and attitudinal development, (2) personal development of students through a…

Describes La Guardia Community College's interdisciplinary approach to the teaching of critical thinking, focusing on the program's impact on literacy, reasoning, problem solving, and critical attitudes. Presents guidelines for integrating critical thinking. Discusses the importance of professional development to encourage curricular changes,…

These articles review the current status of General College's 11 career development programs: (1) Certificate in Aging Studies, an extension program geared toward those working with the elderly or seeking entry to the field of aging; (2) Aviation, consisting of seven one-level aviation courses which are applicable to all General College degrees;…

A team of students, faculty members, division chairpersons and administrators at Mendocino College developed a set of knowledge, skill and attitude goals for an interdisciplinary program around the theme of the "World Food Crisis." Once the broad goals had been set, a team representing the social sciences, natural sciences, and…

STANDPOINTS, a model for general education which focuses on the common learning experiences crucial to the quality of personal and corporate life, was developed at Central YMCA Community College. When developing the model, time, faculty development, student involvement, and leadership constraints were recognized, and a three-phase process was…

This report describes an off-campus alternative to traditional summer school sponsored by De Anza College and College of the Redwoods (California). Three twelve-day, concentrated summer programs, called "Action Learning Modules", utilized an interdisciplinary approach. The first module combined oceanography, marine biology, and scuba diving. A…

Interdisciplinary studies attempt to bring together disparate areas such as English, history, and art into a common curriculum which crosses divisional boundaries. An interdisciplinary approach allows colleges to add to its course offerings without the expense of hiring new faculty, attracts new students and retains them at higher rates, provides…

During fall 1972, Bronx Community College inaugurated Project STIR, an interdisciplinary, block-programmed project designed to facilitate an intense, collaborative remediation program for entering Liberal Arts freshmen needing remedial assistance in reading, writing, and mathematics. This project was later renamed Project LINK, and was expanded to…

In fall 1991, Solano Community College (California) undertook a study comparing the writing skills of students in an integrated course combining history and freshman English composition with students in unpaired history and English classes. Students were divided into three groups: the integrated class and two control groups, one taking history…

Experimental colleges are one attempt to provide more relevant educational experiences. They are characterized by the merger of counseling and instruction, the lack of grades and normative student rankings, interdisciplinary coursework, student input into curriculum planning, contract learning and independent study, off-campus learning…

The National Council for Occupational Education (NCOE) and the Community College Humanities Association established the Shared Vision Task Force to examine the potential contributions of the humanities to occupational degree programs. In an effort to implement Task Force findings, NCOE selected the following five institutions to plan and implement…

This report describes and evaluates the activities undertaken by the Washington Center for the Improvement of the Quality of Undergraduate Education between 1986 and 1988. The goal of the Center is to improve undergraduate education through five central activities: (1) assisting participating two- and four-year colleges in the establishment of…

This quarterly publication serves as a medium for the exchange of ideas regarding the planning, design, implementation, and evaluation of professional development practices at two- and four-year colleges. The four issues in volume 14 feature the following articles: (1) "A Home-Grown Faculty Development Program," (Jane T. Rauton); (2) "Creating…