This case study explores the impact of metacognitive reading strategies on the ability of five college students in developmental courses to self-regulate while reading. Instruction in reading strategies derived from past research on metacognition was scaffolded, based on Pearson and Gallagher's (1983) model of gradual release of responsibility.…

Community college developmental education students face numerous obstacles as they proceed through their years of higher education. One specific area of need is students' inadequate vocabularies. Advanced communication skills are an integral part of higher education, so students may be at an academic disadvantage if these skills are not…

The purpose of this research was to examine possible outcomes of developmental students' critical thinking and motivation to read when the online learning community, WebCT, was implemented. My role, in addition to instructor, was that of participant-observer. I implemented WebCT tools, such as discussion board and chat, over a four-month period…

The author of this article discusses the needs of developmental Latino/Latina students. As a white, middle-aged, female developmental educator, she is aware of the cultural differences. She has tried telling herself that when teaching developmental English, what matters is her knowledge of English composition. Good organization, solid development,…

Although the issue of redefining the developmental education profession has been a constant in its history, the urgency to reexamine it has never been greater. As practice advances and changes, so must the language to describe it. A reexamination can be an opportunity to transform the work of the field, expand its borders, and redefine its…

Reports on an effort to better understand the impasse and create conditions for constructive local discussions and reforms relating to multiculturalism. Reports how a group of developmental education professionals in a large, interdisciplinary developmental education unit understand multiculturalism. Explores the potentials and challenges involved…

Addresses problems related to consistency of goals and objectives in student portfolio applications. Poses questions to test if the portfolio process is working correctly and authentically, particularly in weighing the use of portfolios as a formative rather than summative tool. (SG)

Claims developmental education has been the central medium of upward social mobility for the American lower and middle classes. Outlines the accomplishments of developmental educators as well as the national trends that bear directly upon the work of developmental educators. (NH)

Reports an evaluation of factual study questions as a component of an introductory psychology course taught to developmental students with a computer-assisted, mastery learning teaching method based on Keller's (1968) Personalized System of Instruction (PSI). Recommends that instructors of introductory courses, especially those that serve…

Presents a report of 21 developmental college students speaking out about their success or failure in college. Discusses students' explanations of why they feel they were either successful or unsuccessful in obtaining high grades and/or honors in their pursuit of a higher degree. (SC)

Reports the results of research conducted to investigate the relationship between involvement in learning mathematics and achievement as measured by test scores and course grades. Finds that attendance is the one measure of effort most closely related to success in developmental mathematics. Indicates that academic autonomy was consistently…

Interviews nine college developmental reading students regarding reading and metacognition, study skills, notetaking, motivation and attitudes, and family literacy history. Finds students had weak reading, study, and notetaking skills although they got fairly good grades. Reveals numerous differences between quantitative and qualitative results.…

Explores the realities of change facing a successful junior college which must become a regional four-year university. Identifies and discusses (in a response by William G. White Jr.) the problems and issues relative to the developmental program at Evans County Junior College on the eve of its conversion to regional university--Jan Norton…

Drawn from the proceedings of the 1985 Western College Reading and Learning Association, as well as articles submitted for juried selection, the papers in this journal issue focus on reading, learning assistance, developmental education, and tutorial services at the college level. Titles and authors of the papers include (1) "Reaching New Heights:…