Discusses four instruments that can be incorporated into an entry-level testing program to assess cognitive style, anxiety toward learning, locus of control, and conceptual level. Examines the usefulness of measuring these attributes in helping community college instructors develop individualized learning approaches for nontraditional students.…

Discusses the changing role of institutional research in light of: (1) demands for increased productivity; (2) the need to recruit and retain nontraditional students; (3) the high costs of vocational education; (4) the complex data collection requirements of program evaluation; and (5) the growing importance of collective bargaining. (JP)

Describes a study of the comprehension strategies used by four community college developmental reading students, comparing results for two "less able" and two "more able" readers. Reports that the "more able" readers employed interpreting strategies more often than the "less able" readers. Reviews implications for teachers. The questionnaire is…

Examines the impact of statewide mandatory testing and placement in Tennessee's community colleges on the retention and academic progress of minority students. Reports that attrition is higher for developmental students and higher for minority than White students. Few Blacks enroll directly in college-level courses and fewer still persist for…

Summarizes findings from a national study of the students, staff, and programs that make up community college fine arts departments. Reviews the history of community colleges' involvement in the fine and performing arts, student characteristics and goals, support for arts programs within the schools, and policy issues. (DMM)

Examines factors at the pre-college and community college level that influence the success of minority students pursuing a baccalaureate degree. Outlines recommendations for improving minority high school graduation rates and community college retention and transfer rates. (FMW)

Drawing from a study of exemplary community college programs, offers recommendations for increasing support for at-risk students through preenrollment activities, orientation programs, elimination of late registration, basic skills assessment, improved financial aid, expanded mentoring programs, and increased problem solving and literacy…

Describes New York City Technical College's "Law through Literature" course, an English elective especially for Legal Assistant Studies students. Quotes from students' essays about personal experiences related to characters/events from Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird." Recounts class discussions about influences on…

Describes a study of the effectiveness of noncredit continuing education courses offered at the Delaware Technical and Community College's (DTCC's) Stanton/Wilmington campus. Focuses on students' perceptions of their primary enrollment goal and the achievement of that goal. Offers a taxonomy of DTCC's noncredit student population. (DMM)

Examines the relationship between changing social and economic attitudes and educational trends concerning women, with changes in enrollment and degree patterns in higher education. Based on education statistics from 1969-88, finds women the majority of enrollees and degree recipients for most degree programs from the associate to the graduate…

Discusses community colleges' multiple roles and the impact of declining elementary-secondary performance on higher education. Offers examples of changing relations with secondary education; community college programs for immigrants, minorities, and educationally disadvantaged; a continuum of occupational programs; diversity in transfer education;…

A survey of 130 students in 2 community colleges measured perceived differences in educational experiences as high school seniors and college freshmen, academic and personal skills perceived as needed at college entry, and perceived development of those skills. Respondents felt overall academic instruction was better in college. (Author/MSE)

Describes the Technology Intervention and Support Program (TISP) at Kent State University, designed to improve the English and mathematics skills of academically disadvantaged technology students at the Ashtabula and Trumbull campuses. Discusses program objectives, participant selection and recruitment, and implementation processes. Profiles TISP…

Describes a study of the influence of college culture on Hispanic community college student progress, drawing from interviews with administrators, faculty, and staff. Presents findings regarding the importance of the family, economic considerations, students' knowledge of the college system, cultural understanding, and relationships with feeder…

Studied concurrent and construct validities of the Academic Motivation Scale (AMS) (English translation of a scale developed in French) with 107 male and 110 female junior college students in Montreal (Canada) who completed the AMS and other motivation assessments. Findings support both concurrent and construct validity of the AMS. (SLD)