States that second-language acquisition students enrolled in developmental courses share the problem of making the transition from the personal to the abstract in discussing and reading academic topics. Reports on the collaboration aimed at increasing students' understanding of complex sociological and anthropological concepts while at the same…

Presents three categories of approaches to assess the impact of college supplemental instruction (SI) programs on an institution: anecdotal information; descriptive statistics; and inferential statistics. For SI programs required to justify their existence, these methods include a range of assessment devices from simple testimony to rigorous…

This study reports the use of technology in understanding reading and learning abilities (comprehension) of undergraduates in a psychology course. The study's favorable results provide support for further implementations and tests of self-paced computer instruction as a supplement or alternative to more traditionally organized teaching. Contains 4…

This interview, with one of the most influential professors in the field of developmental education and study skills, reviews the state of reading study skills as they apply to college students. Also discusses the new sixth edition of his book, "How to Study in College." (SL)

Reports an evaluation of factual study questions as a component of an introductory psychology course taught to developmental students with a computer-assisted, mastery learning teaching method based on Keller's (1968) Personalized System of Instruction (PSI). Recommends that instructors of introductory courses, especially those that serve…

Describes a study that sought to identify which remedial programs are most effective in community colleges. Reports that five college classrooms were visited at various times to observe teaching methods and class attendance. Concludes that one mode of instruction is not a panacea for all students and that colleges should offer at least two modes…

Presents suggestions from four former presidents of the National Association of Developmental Education on how educators might use a developmental education background as an asset rather than a liability in career development. Suggestions include: (1) broaden your view of developmental education; (2) generalize your skills; and (3) don't run…

Describes how the college-preparation program Upward Bound, in a bruising battle with GEAR UP for federal funds, is being closely scrutinized by the Bush administration. (EV)

Asserts that almost all U.S. colleges and universities offer some form of developmental education, if one considers tutorial and learning assistance programs in addition to formal courses. Presents an historical analysis of developmental programs, stating that they, in some form, have been a part of postsecondary education since Harvard was…

Describes a study of student writing completed in one basic writing program. Measures the effectiveness of individual papers written in the program's two-course sequence by rating each against a modified "primary-trait" scoring scale. Finds that students made gains in the trait areas examined. (EMH)

Presents findings from a study entitled "Developmental Students' Perceptions of the Factors that Contribute to Academic Success." Focuses on the factors students identify as being significant in creating, nurturing, and maintaining commitment. Specifies the influence of role models, goals, personal circumstances, and the observation of the…

Reports on the need for developmental education to prepare students for success in higher education. Looks at the performance of developmental students and their characteristics. Describes the role community and technical colleges play as providers of developmental education, characteristics of a successful developmental program, and ways to…

Shares the author's beliefs about the practice of teaching developmental writing in an attempt to get colleagues in other academic settings involved in a dialogue about the writing philosophies in their practices. Presents an interest in the beliefs and theories that form the foundation of what others do in their writing programs. (VWC)

A current project for the Allegany College of Maryland Mathematics Department is using spreadsheets in some of their General Education Mathematics courses. It is important to note that one of the key features of this project is that is does not require an introductory computer course as a prerequisite for any of the mathematics courses that will…

Community colleges can strengthen their ability to provide academic support to both developmental and college-level students by offering traditional remedial programs with a complementary, centralized unit of student success and retention services.