Retention of minority college students is elusive because many institutions have not made a full commitment to it, as is apparent in faculty, curriculum, and corporate culture. Unrealistic expectations, racism, funding, college environment, faculty interaction with students, and parental role must be addressed before a solution is found. (MSE)

This paper examines a model used to predict success in a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program that relies more on performance in key first-year courses than the usual high school credentials, thereby, making more accurate predictions of success. The model also suggests strategies for enhancing student success. (GLR)

A study investigated key factors used by 344 first-year college students to assess their fit to their university. Applying concepts of cognitive dissonance, the study showed perceptions of student/institution fit to be related to key attribute and aspirational variables. Implications for enrollment management, especially retention, are discussed.…

Describes a study to determine which characteristics and behaviors of community college transfer students were associated with persistence and achievement at a private university, focusing on gender, ethnicity, age, achievement test scores, high school and community college grade point averages, high school class rank, major, credit hours earned,…

Presents data from surveys and interviews with 129 beginning secondary teachers (trained, untrained, and partially trained) and a survey of school principals in Hong Kong. Differences between trained and untrained groups indicated a need for preservice training and induction for all beginning teachers. (SM)

Discusses the limitations in the explain-practice and active learning methods of teaching mathematics. Proposes that problem-centered learning is a teaching method that encourages student reflection, and presents examples demonstrating that encouraging reflection results in greater mathematics achievement. (MDH)

Describes a study of 399 students who attended Del Mar College (Texas) in fall 1990 but did not return in spring 1991, examining students' original goals, reasons for not returning by gender and ethnicity, and feelings about the college. Most respondents (73%) considered themselves "stopouts," citing time/money conflicts as their reason…

There have been fundamental changes in demand for and supply of teachers in Western Australia in recent years. Influences include increased high school retention, parent preference for private schools, falling teacher salaries, fewer students attracted to teaching careers. Attention to increasing the teacher supply is needed. (MSE)

A study examined the differential impacts on college persistence of preentry attributes, initial goal and institutional commitments, academic and social integration, and subsequent goal and institutional commitments for younger (17-24 years) and older (25+ years) students. Significant age-related differences were found on some factors. (Author/MSE)

The study found that high-risk college freshmen (N=74) who successfully completed a freshman orientation course were less likely to drop out and achieved higher grade point averages over a three-year period than students not in an orientation course. (Author/MLW)

A one-semester, credit-bearing course for parents of Wichita State University freshmen improves retention because parents can help freshmen adjust to the university environment. The course provides information about the institution through monthly articles and cassette audiotapes. Parents receive identification cards and parking decals and may…

Describes a study applying the Tinto Model to predict student persistence/exit in a community college setting. A questionnaire assessing background, environmental, and integration variables was administered to full-time students during their first semester, successfully predicting subsequent persistence/exit behavior and affirming the utility of…

Reports the results of a meta-analysis that integrates research on undergraduate science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education since 1980. The meta-analysis of 39 studies demonstrates that various forms of small-group learning promote achievement, improve attitudes toward learning, and increase persistence in these fields. Contains…

A Markov chain is used to model the movement of undergraduates through the higher education system in Australia. Given the student's age on commencing a course of study, the model provides estimates of the probability of course completion, mean time for completion, and mean time spent in the higher education system. (Author/MSE)

This study used ethnographic techniques to observe and analyze the communication patterns of two Latina college students in order to better understand the poor performance of many Latino students in college-level composition classes. Both students experienced frustration, anger, suspicion, and mistrust. They felt that school was trying to change…