Discusses the goal of assessment in developmental writing classes. Stresses the need for instructors to be aware of the impact of their comments on student progress. Asserts that, in developmental classes, students may lack a number of skills, but the instructor needs to emphasize what students can offer and encourage them to move beyond their…

Argues that demandingness, responsiveness, and self-regulation could be used to organize, explain, and predict useful techniques for developmental education practitioners. Also contends that student self-regulation is developed in demanding and supportive environments. Stresses the need for a training initiative in developmental education.…

Describes a study of differences between developmental writing students in associate and baccalaureate degree programs at Ohio's University of Cincinnati. Reports that, although the groups had similar writing skills, significant differences were found in family background, high school English experience, and expectations toward writing. The…

Reviews efforts to determine the effectiveness of the counseling component in the University of Georgia's developmental studies program, including surveys of former students and current faculty. Reports that all but one student indicated that the counseling was beneficial, while faculty felt that the program addressed important topics. (AJL)

Investigates the effects of task repetition on the writing skills of upper-level developmental reading students. Reports that productivity, use of source text, and representation of key ideas improved with simple repetition of meaningful literacy tasks. However, there was also an increase in copying from the sources. (Contains 38 references.)…

Examines five perceived inhibitors of successful performance in an intermediate algebra course: (1) non-native English speaking faculty; (2) teaching assistants versus adjunct faculty; (3) student performance in mathematics versus other courses; (4) relationship of student performance to performance in subsequent mathematics courses; and (5)…

A study investigated the effectiveness of integrating writing instruction in a developmental mathematics course as a means of improving overall student performance. It was found that while adding writing instruction did reduce slightly the amount of time available for mathematics instruction, student performance was also better. (MSE)

Reviews two prevalent paradigms for language writing education: the social, using formalized methods to bring students of all backgrounds into mainstream academic literacy; and the developmental, emphasizing theories of language acquisition to enable students to approximate literacy through their cultural contexts. Argues against viewing these…

Discusses resources accessible on the Internet, as well as providing some Internet addresses useful for developmental educators. Provides descriptions of and information on how to interact with Listservs (discussion groups), ARCHIEs (a search utility), GOPHERs (an Internet navigation system), WAISs (Wide Area Information Servers), and other…

Miami-Dade Community College (Florida) and Joliet Junior College (Illinois), have institutionalized their commitment to encouraging cultural pluralism. Miami-Dade has established developmental studies courses for students and faculty development courses for both new and continuing teachers. Joliet fosters and teaches about diversity through…

Urges two-year colleges to embrace the academic education of underprepared students as part of their institutional mission, provide appropriate remedial courses for students with lower academic skills, and offer workshops and training sessions for faculty to equip them with the skills needed to properly assist and teach these students. (DMM)

Explains that Canadian general education is intended to prepare students for community college, whereas advanced education is meant to ready them for university study. Offers 25 strategies for teaching on the general level. Argues that the tips can improve the teacher student relationship and make any subject more interesting and enjoyable for…

The Writing Assessment Test (WAT), the City University of New York's instrument for evaluating college-level writing, has been a subject of controversy since its evolution from an exit exam to a placement exam. Bronx Community College's success in having both faculty and students pay less attention to the WAT in its English-as-a-Second-Language…

Describes a survey of academic and personal stressors experienced by developmental college students. High ranking academic stressors included career and future goals, studying, tests/finals, and financial aid problems, while living conditions, personal appearance, lack of free time, and roommate conflicts were highly ranked personal stressors.…

A survey of 418 (61%) General College students (academically underprepared) demonstrated how differences on career decision-making self-efficacy, social and academic integration, and academic persistence differ according to individual and family characteristics. (SK)