Suggestions on how to apply mastery learning concepts to instructing high-risk college students are offered with examples from mathematics provided. Eighty-five specific guidelines from the Personalized Systematic Instruction Inventory (PSII) are included.

Underprepared students deserve targeted instruction and practical content to develop communication skills. To implement a narrow, traditional approach in teaching these skills would be shortsighted and ultimately disastrous. (Author/LBH)

Examines the relationship between self-esteem and affective variables (such as, text anxiety, mathematics anxiety, and academic autonomy) used to predict success among high-risk students. Indicates that significant positive correlations were found between self-esteem and academic autonomy, lifestyle choice, and interpersonal relationships.…

This proceedings document provides one to two page versions of papers presented on the theme of celebrating diversity in developmental education, focusing on the areas of research, administration and learning assistance, writing, reading, and mathematics. Papers include, among others: "Gender Differences in Variables Related to Academic…

This proceedings document focuses on research and program development in developmental education and instruction in mathematics, reading, and writing. Papers are: "Down in the Trenches: Tutors Learning about Learning" (Jace Condravy); "Expanding the Role of Developmental Education in Research Institutions" (Patricia Dwinell and others);…

The special cultural and socioeconomic circumstances that make traditional approaches to teaching ineffective and unsatisfactory for the underprepared student in higher education institutions are examined and special techniques for assisting these students are presented. Some innovative approaches and techniques that have proven effective in…

Describes background and content of a library skills course paired with an English composition course in a developmental studies program for high risk university students. Several principles for teaching developmental students are listed, and suggestions for pairing courses are offered. (nine references) (MES)

Implementing classroom strategies that demonstrate and encourage appropriate academic behaviors for at-risk students can improve their academic performance. Evaluates the implementation of four classroom strategies in developmental English, reading, and math classes at Schoolcraft College. Finds that student participation in the strategies was…

Successful college instruction programs have two features that are associated with increased grade point averages and retention: (1) they are comprehensive and meet student needs, and (2) they are better institutionalized into the academic mainstream of the college or university. Several program characteristics are crucial to learning improvement,…

Assesses the effectiveness of teaching metacognitive thinking strategies through modeling to college students. Compares the reading test performance of students who had the strategies modeled to them, of students who only had the strategies taught to them, and of control group students. Teaching the strategies without modeling was ineffective.…

There has been a significant increase in the numbers of underprepared students entering colleges and universities. At Schoolcraft College, in Michigan, data consistently indicate that large percentages of students score below college level in reading, writing, and mathematics skills. Classroom techniques that can help faculty better meet the needs…

These five serial issues focus on the outcomes of developmental education. Featured are the following articles: (1) "Developmental Instruction: What Really Makes a Difference?" by Hunter R. Boylan, which reviews several research-based models or theories of learning, including the Carroll model, the Bloom model, and the Bruner model, and discusses…

This study examined characteristics of passive and active learners among college students enrolled in remedial classes and students enrolled in regular academic classes. Active learners are typically analytical, focused on task, tolerant of new ideas, curious, adept at processing information, able to develop other ways to solve a problem,…

Two main points should be noted concerning strategies recommended for teaching basic writing students. First, teachers can develop only those strategies that are consonant with their own personalities and that will enable students to develop their own writing strategies. Second, whatever strategies are selected should lead students beyond the…

Prepared by the Developmental Skills Committee at Fresno City College (FCC), this report proposes a program of skills instruction and services for underprepared students. Following a historical background, the report defines the underprepared student and outlines the assumptions about budget, course sequencing, and responsibility for curriculum…