This report presents information pertaining to evaluations of Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC), collected through the 1996-97 graduate survey. The graduate survey is mailed annually to graduates and contains questions regarding educational goals, employment, and the impact of NVCC on its students. In 1997, there were 2,753 graduates, 936…

This study examined the attitudes of students, faculty, administrators, and policymakers in regard to higher education policy, in light of the challenges facing higher education institutions and specifically as they relate to the mission of the university as a research institution. In-depth ethnographic interviews were conducted with students,…

This digest presents highlights from the Winter 1998 New Directions for Community Colleges volume titled "Determining the Economic Benefits of Attending Community College." The passage of the Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act (VATEA) in 1990 gave incentives to states to develop accountability measures. Attempts are…

How do the postsecondary enrollment and attainment patterns of students with disabilities compare to students without disabilities? What types of accommodations do institutions provide students with disabilities? These are among the important questions raised by legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with…

The student revolt of May 1968 led to chaos across France, temporarily shaking the economic and political establishment. The crisis was unanticipated, unpredictable and short-lived. The famous events coincided with the period in which examinations are undertaken. In the university context, exams became a central aspect of the bargaining process…

Due to a survey showing negative student and faculty attitudes toward advising, a program to improve advising services and student contact was undertaken. Results show increased interactions of all kinds initiated by students, faculty, and staff; improved retention; and slightly increased enrollment. (MSE)

Available data on Canadian and U.S. student drinking patterns are compared. Among the factors and implications discussed are prevalency and volume of drinking, its relation to other drug use, negative behavioral consequences, student characteristics, attitudes, motivation, and the influence of home, high school, and college environment in…

Defines holistic education as a set of teaching strategies designed to cope with brain lateralization. Suggests that teaching strategies which facilitate learning through the right, holistic hemisphere foster more comprehensive learning. Suggests six steps to involve students in participating in an educational unit. (Author/JAC)

To determine responsiveness to instruction, matched concrete operational seventh-grade (N=50) and college (N=72) students were given identical classroom instruction in probabilistic and correlational reasoning using biological concepts. Field dependence/independence and fluid intelligence were examined. Reasons why college students are more…

Investigated whether a self-paced, individualized instruction course in chemistry and physics would result in: (1) greater level of achievement of academically underprepared students (N=80); (2) more satisfaction with instruction; and (3) more positive attitudes when compared with conventional instruction. Results indicate individualized treatment…

Discusses a study using data from the National Longitudinal Study of the High School Class of 1972 to explore patterns of postsecondary education. Describes the sample, the methodology, and the findings in terms of students' educational aspirations, college attendance, academic aptitude, family background, sex, race, and academic achievement. (AYC)

The relationship between aid received and activities pursued after college (attending graduate school, career choice, forming a family, and forming personal values) was examined. Results imply that the self-help forms of aid (loans and work) are not detrimental to the future plans of recipients. (Author/LB)

Women undergraduates in both traditional and nontraditional career fields were sampled to determine whether there were differences in their career and familial attitudes which might contribute to career success. Despite some differences, the majority lacked high career aspiration, indicating that role-value conflicts influence the career…

The greatest factor affecting retention of minority students is the degree of institutional commitment. Recruiters must be more creative; orientation programs must be relevant to minorities. Minority staff members must be visibly involved. Student participation in peer groups and academic commitment also aid retention. (JAC)

Investigates the effect of intensive instruction in cue attendance upon the ability of preservice elementary science methods students to solve paper-and-pencil reasoning tests that require a form of formal operation thought. (Author/HM)