Describes a study of student perceptions of the effectiveness of matriculation services offered by California community colleges. Describes differences in reactions to services by student ethnicity and gender and indicates that many groups of students, including women, were reportedly unaware of available services. The survey instrument is…

Describes a study conducted to assess an English-as-a-Second-Language tutoring program and to suggest means for improving both the tutoring sessions and the general attitudes toward tutoring. Indicates that the students' avoidance of peer tutoring stems principally from cultural differences between the tutors and students. (18 references) (MAB)

Suggests that data from the assessment of students' goals can be used to improve retention by fostering student integration with the college environment. Describes the use of the Student Goals Inventory (SGI) with first-year students at two community colleges, indicating that the assessment program is practical to administer, monitor, and…

Describes a study of the relationship between student persistence in developmental mathematics programs and age, gender, parents' education, grade point average (GPA), goal commitment, institutional experience, academic integration, placement grades, and student performance. Finds no significant direct effect on persistence by age, gender, GPA, or…

Describes a study of variables associated with student intentions to attend community colleges or other higher education institutions, based on responses to the student profile section of the American College Testing Assessment Program. Indicates that community college students were generally lower achievers than others but had taken more advanced…

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,…

Underscores the applicability of marketing principles to minority student recruitment and retention at community colleges. Proposes the assessment of an institution's Strengths, Weaknesses, and external Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) to strategically market the college. Considers the development of a plan for action based on the SWOT analysis.…

Examines the effect of the Appalachian environment and culture on adult learners. Identifies instructional strategies to enhance adult learning. Describes Hocking College's "Women in Transition" course for mature female students, which focuses on improving interpersonal, time management, goal-setting, and life-planning skills through…

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…

Describes a study of the effects of a summer bridge program on the academic, personal, and social development of underrepresented and low-income transfer students at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Tracks 1988 entering Transfer Summer Program students for their first two quarters at UCLA. (DMM)

Describes a study of the attitudes toward writing and self-evaluation of writing skills of 78 allied health students. Reports negative attitudes toward the writing process and skills deficiencies. Advocates incorporating writing into science course curriculum. (PAA)

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…

Describes a study conducted at Del Mar College (Texas) to provide the college with baseline data on its nonreturnees and to test the feasibility of gathering interview information over the phone. Defines relevant terms, outlines the data-gathering process, and presents study findings and recommendations regarding data collection and the focus of…

Argues that the traditional definition of the collegiate ideal is inappropriate for vocational community-college students and that a more realistic portrayal of students and their programs is needed, taking into consideration the reality of fiscal constraints. "Contract education" and partnerships between colleges and industry can help students…

Reviews the results of studies from several states that examine the salaries of vocational students who graduate from community colleges. Indicates that all reporting ethnic groups experience significant positive gains in earnings within three years of graduating. Contains five data tables and 28 references. (JDI)