Makes a distinction between developmental and remedial programs and suggests reasons for the difficulty in evaluating these programs. Identifies basic limitations in educational research, factors found in successful programs, questions to be considered in selecting and formulating the evaluation design, and five useful educational research…

Suggests a three-step process for selecting remedial courseware: an in-house evaluation using an evaluation form designed for the specific learning environment; consultation with external sources which evaluate courseware; and use of the courseware on a trial basis with students. (AYC)

Concludes that the keyword method is effective means of vocabulary learning in the college classroom. (FL)

Based on a review of research and literature on student academic performance, provides an overview of the state of basic skills (developmental) instruction in the two-year college. Discusses the characteristics of successful basic skills programs. (DMM)

In 2001, Kentucky instituted a placement policy mandating that all students entering undergraduate programs at public institutions who received a score of 17 or below on ACT subject exams in math, English or reading be placed in developmental coursework or receive supplemental help in those subjects. This study examines the public postsecondary…

This report describes the developmental education program at Jefferson Davis Community College (JDCC) (Alabama). Approximately 59% of JDCC's student population must take pre-college, or developmental, courses in math, reading, English, and study skills. JDCC's developmental program includes computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in reading, math, and…

This digest offers community college academic leaders a synopsis of the key components necessary for building a successful developmental education instructional framework. Specific emphasis is placed on program structure, faculty, and program improvement. Developmental education is defined as "courses or services provided for the purpose of…

The primary purpose of this postsecondary developmental mathematics curriculum evaluation is to assess the effectiveness of the Center for Occupational Research and Development's (CORD) Mathematics Foundations for Introductory College Mathematics. A contextually based, hands-on developmental mathematics curriculum, Mathematics Foundations is…

The Michigan Center for Career and Technical Education (MCCTE) at Michigan State University conducted a study on a rural college (dubbed "Riverdale") in the Midwest to collect quantitative and qualitative data that could be used to improve student retention in developmental courses. The research team analyzed student profiles, student…

The uneven skills profiles of diversely prepared students suggest the need for a broadened definition of basic skills. An enlarged, pivotal role is proposed for skills specialists, with a goal of helping to create skills-competent institutions. (Author/MLW)

Tests must be responsive to the needs of adult learners who offer a unique history of formal education, come from different cultural/linguistic backgrounds, and may have had little exposure to tests. Transfer, occupational, continuing education and leisure program, and developmental studies of students' needs are examined. (Author/CM)

Describes the underlying human development theory that supports developmental-learning as opposed to remedial-learning assistance. Outlines a model of learning assistance based on these principles. (Author)

Outlines Hudson Valley Community College's Individualized Studies Program which provides a liberal arts base upon which students design their programs. Describes the program, which also serves a developmental function, in terms of its students, learning laboratories, study skills course, and ongoing orientation process. (DMM)

An analysis of about 10 years of efforts to increase the number of disadvantaged students who graduate from Michigan State University business programs and the experiences of 845 disadvantaged students suggest that the special sections developed for these students have helped increase graduation rates. (SLD)

Focuses on the effective use of technology in developmental mathematics instruction. Suggests that graphing calculators facilitate teaching and learning while scientific calculators do not. Discusses ways that hearing-impaired mathematics students can use the Internet for instruction at the Rochester Institute of Technology (New York). (Contains…