Presents three problems that help students develop a repertoire of heuristics and persistence in problem solving: the water-jug problem; the missionaries-and-cannibals problem; and the census-taker problem. Discusses methods to encourage students to persist. (MDH)

Three models for calculating college student retention rates and predicting enrollments are examined: (1) the Cohort Ratio Model; (2) the Longitudinal Persistence Model; and (3) the Markov Process Model. The last is seen as more encompassing, with wider applicability range, and useful in tracking student change in major and movement in and out of…

California State University's Summer Bridge program, a preenrollment course for underprepared freshmen that focuses on improving basic skills and familiarizing students with the university environment, has been successful in increasing first- and second-year retention rates for its first three student cohorts. (Author/MSE)

Examined nonpersistence among 83 nonpersisting students using Tinto's model and compared retention risks for traditional-aged and nontraditional-aged students. Found that traditional- and nontraditional-aged students showed same risk factors for dropping out: both had parents with low educational levels, attempted to combine education with…

Assigned community college first-year students (n=1,089) to three groups that differed with the intensity of a learning style intervention. Follow-up during the next semester revealed that students in the highest intensity group achieved significantly higher grade-point averages and higher retention rates than those in the other groups. (Author/NB)

Examined influence of on-campus residence, as compared with off-campus residence, on academic performance, progress, and retention of first-year college students. Findings from 5,414 students revealed that progress and retention were significantly higher for on-campus students regardless of race, gender, or admission type. On-campus students…

Describes a study that compared student development at Deganawidah-Quetzalcoatl University (D-Q U) in California with that at non-tribal institutions. Results indicated higher levels of student satisfaction at D-Q U, lower levels of learning and personal development, somewhat lower rates of degree completion, and similar transfer rates. Recommends…

A study piloted a new approach to assessing the effects of changes in funding for state grant programs on college assistance. Analysis of Washington's state grant program indicates that an increase in state funds for need-based grants in 1993-1994 resulted in improved within-year persistence in public four-year universities. It is concluded that…

Companies specializing in college recruitment are building databases to predict the persistence and success rates of college applicants and to help design recruiting and admission strategies. The field began two decades ago, when admissions deans with good reputations began consulting. Many of these companies provide other services, such as…

A 20-year follow-up study of 41 individuals with learning disabilities investigated changes in independent variables and dependent variables and compared successful and unsuccessful individuals. Self-awareness, perseverance, proactivity, emotional stability, goal setting, and social support systems predicted success better than IQ or achievement.…

A study examined the role of career maturity in the college persistence of 307 freshmen at a public, residential, four-year college. Results indicate that the My Vocational Situation instrument is reliable and valid, although theoretical formulations should be reexamined. Career maturity was positively associated with several variables important…

Describes a study that explores the relationship between affective variables and mathematics achievement among high-risk students enrolled in developmental-mathematics courses. Finds that time taken from traditional instruction in college algebra to encourage persistence and problem-solving skills enhances spatial visualization, promotes…

Examines the extent to which the financial-aid system promotes access to postsecondary education by equalizing income differences. Describes ways in which students and their families cope with the increasing costs of college, and explores the consequences of full-time and part-time work on college persistence. (SLD)

A study compared the expressive language abilities of 22 preschool children whose stuttering persisted and 62 who recovered over a four-year period. Findings revealed similarity in the abilities of children whose stuttering persisted as opposed to abated at all ages. All stutterers displayed abilities near or above developmental expectations. (CR)

To assist integration of incoming freshman into the academic environment, improve social acclimation, and increase student retention, Northern Michigan University created a first-year experience program with community as its central focus. Its key to success is the use of block scheduling, combining a freshman seminar with other classes. Pilot…