This monograph explores recent theory and research on the importance of student effort and involvement in college activities as decisive elements in promoting positive college outcomes. An opening section introduces the issue and is followed by a section outlining the fundamental work of Robert Pace who found that college outcomes depend on…

Different kinds of discussion methods have been developed to help students achieve different kinds of instructional objectives. The following discussion methods are analyzed from the perspective of the role demands that they make of students and teachers: (1) cooperative learning discussions; (2) the subject mastery discussion method; and (3)…

One in a series of booklets for Hispanic American parents on making the most of a child's education, this volume encourages parents to think about and decide whether college is a good option for their child. It offers practical advice and information to face the educational challenges confronting children. Section 1 looks at why a child should…

Physical education (including special/adapted) is currently at a crossroads in its professional life. Analysis reveals that physical education professionals have failed to develop a grass-roots constituency which acts as an advocate when physical education's existence in the public schools is in jeopardy. One method which might circumvent this…

Based on observation and experience, analysis translates into a proposal for reform. Eight essays explore in personal terms several troubling educational issues undergirded by the fundamental belief that the purpose of public education is the cultivation of civic virtue. The first essay addresses the widespread loss of faith in public schooling.…

In response to legislative mandate, three proposals were developed for encouraging student participation in the governance of California's community colleges and for establishing a minimum standard regulation for local procedures. The proposals are intended to improve and enhance access to governance mechanisms, improve accountability, enhance the…

This pamphlet provides suggestions for students concerning how to best use and interpret educational research. Students should recognize that there is nothing wrong with questioning research. Among the myths that must be challenged are that if something is published, it must be true, and that scientists are objective and uninfluenced by societal…

Ten principles based on the interactive nature of language learning and teaching include the following: (1) the student is the language learner; (2) language learning and teaching are shaped by student needs and objectives in particular circumstances; (3) language learning and teaching are based on normal uses of language, with communication of…

The classes of one experienced teacher of English as a Second Language were observed over four months, using principles of naturalistic inquiry to obtain a holistic interpretation of the processes of language learning and instruction. Events in the classes were found to be related through the teacher's orchestration of student performance. This…

The Association of American Colleges' (AAC) Project on Redefining the Meaning and Purpose of Baccalaureate Degrees is described. The Project has three purposes: to promote and facilitate a nationwide discussion and consensus about the meaning of baccalaureate degrees; to identify and define appropriate knowledge, intellectual proficiencies, and…

The literature relating to instructional improvement since 1978 is examined. After a review of implications of recent learning theories, it is concluded that theorists agree generally that: learning is enhanced when the student is active rather than passive; learning is improved by practice and feedback; learning is improved when directed toward…

This document consists of a discussion of the place and nature of evaluation within the autonomous learning scheme developed by the Centre de Recherches et d'Applications Pedagogiques en Langues (C.R.A.P.E.L.). The center's commitment to the development of an autonomous learning scheme dates back several years. It is the outcome of an attempt to…

This study examines the role of the high school as a political environment in which students may acquire experiences which contribute to the development of their political competence. The paper explains the objectives of the study, discusses the methods used, describes the schools in which data were gathered, reports the findings, and identifies…

A two-part, in-class questionnaire was administered to 150 randomly selected Everett Community College (Washington) students in an effort to determine their attitudes toward college governance. Part I of the questionnaire asked students to indicate their desire for involvement in each of 30 college activities. Part II solicited information on the…

The Instructional Support System for Occupational Education (ISSOE) Dissemination Project was initiated to conduct research on the roles of individuals associated with the management of ISSOE. The goal was understanding the management concerns surrounding ISSOE dissemination. Phase 2 activities were designed and carried out to fulfill four major…