Examines the effects of course-based reading strategy training--student application of reading strategies to their own college readings--on developmental college learners' reading comprehension skills. Explains that this study gave one group of students learning strategies instruction and gave no such instructions to a control group. Reports…

Reports that students entering an urban state college still had high remedial placement rates even though they successfully completed college preparatory math and English courses in high school. Discusses the "chain of blame" and concerns regarding the rigor of high school programs. (Contains 45 references.) (AUTH/NB)

Describes the experience of one developmental reading class instructor in using articles from current event publications to foster problem solving, synthesis and analysis, and perspective-taking. Discusses the assignments given to the students and the process used for evaluating student work. Includes a six-step demonstration of study strategies.…

Discusses a common misunderstanding demonstrated by many students in basic mathematics courses: not knowing how to properly "cancel" factors in simplifying mathematical equations. Asserts that "crossing-out" or "canceling" is not a valid mathematical operation, and that instructors should be wary about using these terms because of the ease with…

Identifies the most promising policies and practices for remedial and developmental education in postsecondary education based on research findings. Also reviews the research on developmental education outcomes and discusses policy issues in developmental education, such as whether the need for developmental education can be eliminated and who…

Describes psychometric issues associated with three different learning styles models (visual, auditory, and haptic), and the instruments designed to assess those models. Presents some background to the learning styles idea along with suggestions for utilizing this information with developmental students. The learning styles instruments discussed…

Asserts that as developmental education is being attacked by cost-minded legislators, developmental educators must do a better job of advertising its benefits. Outlines the benefits of developmental education for both underprepared and prepared individuals, society, faculty, and administrators. Claims that developmental education enhances student…

Reports on the efforts of one developmental education program to seek faculty input regarding the provision of services. Provides a look at faculty questionnaire results, and presents recommendations for expanding the use of the program, including publicity, courses and adjunct seminars, workshops, and classroom presentations, group and individual…

Describes the genesis of a developmental critical-thinking course offered at Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU) that melds two imperatives: to provide a comprehensive developmental-education program and to satisfy the critical-thinking requirements of the job market and the university. Provides some preliminary evaluation results from faculty…

Discusses a year-long study of the Community College of Denver and of research on developmental education and institutional effectiveness issues in higher education. Identifies critical issues and makes recommendations for increasing student success, including: (1) hiring the best faculty members available and monitoring and mentoring them; (2)…

Describes a survey on student motivation and presents developmental education students' responses describing their strategies for academic success. Addresses the importance of combining effort with effective study strategies, planning, finding a quiet space, being persistent, and preparing for class. (NB)

The Universal High School Program (UHS) is a pilot secondary program in the St. Vrain Valley School District in Longmont, Colorado. It is designed to address the needs of a small niche educational group: highly able students who do not fit well into the mainstream of the educational system. These students are at risk educationally, but not for the…

This chapter identifies current organizational and instructional approaches to developmental education in community colleges and recommends a process by which colleges can make institutionally appropriate decisions to improve developmental education outcomes.

A qualitative case study in 15 community colleges across the country found that learning assistance centers and specialized skills labs are an important means of increasing students' academic preparedness for postsecondary study. Since these facilities provide instruction or support in reading, writing, and math skills, it appears that they play a…

This article explores the experiences of widening access students at two prestigious universities in Scotland. It is based on interview data collected from a small sample of young and mature students who had all attended a widening access course prior to coming to university. The analysis centres on the students' construction of themselves as…