Finding practical ideas about college reading and learning strategy programs that have been drawn from theory and research is difficult for most veteran instructors but is even more difficult for those instructors new to the field. Over a decade ago the authors reviewed the literature and generated a list of their own "best ideas" as a way of…

Offers seven suggestions academic assistance professionals can adopt in order to evaluate strategic models, such as study strategy courses or paired courses. Reports that a 1997 study found that only 25% of four-year institutions complete ongoing and systematic evaluation of their academic assistance programs. (Contains 32 references.) (NB)

Presents guidelines for effective vocabulary instruction, stressing the importance of using mixed methods, learning vocabulary in context, maintaining student interest, and active learning. Describes three generative vocabulary strategies: student-initiated vocabulary study, the keyword method of imagining, and concept cards. (AYC)

Discusses the interplay of short- and long-term goals in developmental education, suggesting that long-term goals should provide the focus, stability, and motivation for short-term goals. Indicates that successful programs utilize strategic approaches to learning and use means which meet both sets of goals simultaneously. (MAB)

Urges college educators to define their institutions' academic literacy tasks by assessing the written and oral texts students will encounter, by identifying tasks assigned by professors, by determining how professors perceive their academic domain, and by defining students' perceptions of the tasks they encounter. Suggests ways and benefits of…