Common reading programs are becoming a ubiquitous component of first-year experience initiatives. Sometimes controversial, these programs are designed to provide students an introduction to the intellectual expectations of college in an often-informal gathering of college faculty and peers. Yet, truly dynamic and successful programs move beyond…

Educators, concerned with disturbing trends in school failure, are arguing for more learner-centered models of schooling. Such a reform effort requires set principles that emphasize the active and reflective nature of learning and learners; 14 such principles are reported here. The immediate goal of this report is to provide a framework that can…

A study examined public speaking textbooks from the early 1900s to the present time with regard to two major questions: (1) "Have the authors emphasized the link between public speaking skills and the ability of each student to become effective members of society?"; and (2) "To what extent have public speaking texts used the need…

Comprehensive developmental guidance programs systematically address students' personal/social, learning, and career development needs. The evolution and implementation of a comprehensive guidance program in Wisconsin is presented in this booklet. The volume's purpose is not to define the role of individuals, but rather to keep the focus on…

Many believe our schools to be in crisis--a crisis brought on by educators having lost their sense of mission. What is needed, it is argued, is a new vision built on students' and teachers' highest potential. To achieve this goal, 101 activities that can foster students' self-esteem and responsibility are presented in this book. Assuming that…

A study investigated the effects of quality children's literature on positive social behaviors in the classroom. A third grade class of 20 students and their classroom teacher were surveyed on eight positive social behaviors of responsibility, honesty, courage, work value, self-discipline, compassion, and friendship and loyalty, which are…

Although high profile media mergers gain national attention, collaboration seems to be the trend among local news gathering organizations. Local media are discovering that one answer to cutbacks in budgets and personnel is to work with the competition to get the story. The verdict is still out about how the competitor-as-collaborator approach will…

This program deals with the child-school "fit" as seen in the context of child development, childhood stress, and children's emotional well-being. It reviews psychological principles and shows their implications for how schools might be optimally structured and managed to help all children cope more effectively. The text begins with the importance…

This study evaluated the development of generic skills by students in the Arts Faculty at York University (Ontario, Canada) by comparing entering students and graduating students on a self-report measure. The specific skills evaluated included analytical, communication, personal, organizational, comparative, job procuring, basic numeracy, and…

This study investigated whether training cooperating teachers using a Praxis III/Pathwise model to frame discussions on teaching and learning would enhance development of pedagogical skills, examining the effects of mentor training on student teachers' demonstration of 19 target criteria. Student teachers were randomly assigned to field…

This issue paper discusses service learning in the community college and lists three major cultural values that, in the past, shaped college missions: (1) civic participation--preparing students for effective participation in community life; (2) extending educational opportunity--offering all Americans a low-cost education near their homes; and…

This report describes a program for advancing character education by expanding school goals of respect and responsibility and developing emotional intelligence by using the current curriculum. Targeted population consisted of elementary students in one first grade class and one fourth grade class, and middle school students in one sixth grade…

This paper describes the positive results of service learning at Kapiolani Community College (Hawaii) and demonstrates that service learning is an effective way of transforming the instructor as a learner and participant with the student, not only academically but also in the development of a more enlightened citizenry. A review of the literature…

Although there is a lack of research regarding the impact of ropes courses on student development, this paper states that there is significant information on this experiential learning experience contributing to student retention. It describes research designed to study how an experiential ropes course can impact undergraduate male and female (18…

This address focuses upon the expected increases in enrollments of traditional college students in the first decade of the 21st Century, and the impact of this increase on community colleges is discussed. Much recent activity and research at community colleges have focused on adult education, workforce development, technological advancement and…