Investigates the daily interactions between nontraditional students and the faculty, staff, and administration of a small, rural southeastern community college, based on ethnographic interviews, institutional documents, and observations. Reports on faculty perceptions of students, their lives and ambitions; students' emotional and support…

Describes a study that contrasted General Education Development (GED) program students to a group of adults who had recently completed the GED and had then "transitioned" into the college's academic programs. Finds that transition students' enjoyment of learning, studying practices, and satisfaction with the GED program were significantly greater…

Examines reasons cited by conditionally-admitted and early-admitted freshmen for choosing to attend college. Finds that parents and family had the greatest influence on both groups; however, the conditionally-admitted students cited these influences more often as the primary influence. Discusses other influences cited by both groups, such as…

Reports on the first phase of a two-year pilot study of a university-level mathematics requirement that accommodates the needs of developmental students. Finds that the 84% pass rate for this new class format is substantially higher than the 43% pass rate for traditional developmental mathematics courses offered during the same semester. (Contains…

Background information on Wascana Institute's (Regina, Saskatchewan) existing learning assistance programs is presented along with a proposal for a readily-accessible, one-stop learning assistance center (LAC) that will furnish the information and services underprepared adult learners require to achieve academic success. First, introductory…

Written by instructors who not only accept but also elect the challenge of teaching basic skills classes in reading and writing to freshmen at the community college and technical college level, this paper examines, first, the basis for the pedagogy employed: the theoretical concepts and the actual students on which the teaching of developmental…

The impact of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools' new criteria for developmental studies is addressed. The criteria have implications for new standards for high school graduation and college admission. Since the existence of developmental studies programs is contingent upon standards of college admission, teacher training will, in…

Three types of evaluation methods are discussed in terms of their use in evaluating both cognitive and affective learning in developmental programs: standardized tests; criterion-referenced tests; and naturalistic inquiries. Section I looks at the complexities of learning and the inherent difficulties in judging the quality and quantity of what is…

When remedial/developmental programs at community colleges are examined on a national level, four areas of concern are apparent: (1) administrators frequently fail to provide the funding and personnel necessary to meet the needs of a diverse student population; (2) instructors are often intellectually and culturally unprepared to teach…

The provision of counseling services, especially for community college students in need of developmental education, will continue to be a task of major importance in the coming decade. However, if counselors are to be effective in helping these students, they must select, implement, and mesh their strategies with other college personnel within a…

This book argues that most academically deficient students do not lack talent, but do lack preparation. Nearly half of students entering community colleges are underprepared, and fewer than half gain the competency needed to succeed in college-level courses. Community colleges have the capability to develop these talents for the benefit of the…

Discusses role and trend information on developmental or remedial education for recent high school graduates attending Washington community and technical colleges. More specifically, it provides information on high school graduates who attended a community or technical college in the year following graduation. Also provides separate information on…

The mission of the ENLACE Program at Evergreen Valley College and San Jose City College is to increase the educational success, retention, and transfer rates of Chicano/Latino students. Now in its 10th year, ENLACE is an academic program emphasizing the successful completion of the cognitive core areas of general/transfer education and provides a…

The mission of the ENLACE Program at Evergreen Valley College and San Jose City College is to increase the educational success, retention, and transfer rates of Chicano/Latino students. Now in its 10th year, ENLACE is an academic program emphasizing the successful completion of the cognitive core areas of general/transfer education and provides a…

Arthur M. Cohen responds to questions concerning the issue of excellence vs. access; the importance of the liberal arts as an enculturating device; cultural literacy; general education; strengthening of the associate in arts degree; the remedial function of community colleges; the evolution of developmental studies as a discipline; and outcomes…