The purpose of this paper is to discuss the effectiveness of incorporating study strategies in a developmental mathematics/college algebra program. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected through a quasiexperimental methodology. Results show that students reported increases on the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI)…

This article presents an interview with Dr. Paul Nolting, a national expert in assessing individual math learning problems, developing effective student learning strategies, and assessing institutional variables that affect math success. Since his dissertation in 1986 on improving math success with study skills Dr. Nolting has consulted with over…

This paper discusses the results of the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) administered to college students in order to identify similarities and differences between time of diagnosis of a learning disability and the development of learning strategies related to will, self-regulation, and skill components. Findings indicate that early…

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…

Research findings indicate that many students fail to benefit from academic support services and courses. The paper discusses reasons why some students resist changing their academic behaviors and links the reasons to learning and motivation variables. The explanations for failure to change include: (1) students believe they can't change; (2)…

Assesses Supplemental Instruction (SI), a voluntary academic assistance program aimed at improving at-risk student performance through small-group work. Analyzes data collected from a political science class supported by SI. Reports that SI has a positive short- and long-term impact on conditional students, and no impact on traditional students.…

Argues that by addressing social and emotional learning within the classroom, college faculty can foster the scholarly as well as interpersonal growth of students. Suggests that sensitivities and learning within the affective domain are strongly linked to the efficacy of a successful collegiate experience. (Contains 20 references.) (NB)

Explores ways to help students take learning seriously and ask critical questions about their studies. Describes strategies for students to raise important questions, to distinguish between one-system and competing-systems disciplines, and how to ask questions about a field of study and textbooks. (MZ)

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)

Focuses on three key ideas students need to understand in order to become master students: the importance of ideas or concepts in thinking, how to think within the ideas of a subject or discipline, and how to learn important ideas from textbooks. Makes suggestions to students, including creating a glossary of ideas learned in each course. (NB)

Suggests that verbal and visual metaphors help academically underprepared students make conceptual connections between their own knowledge and classroom learning. Describes an exercise involving writing about art that helps develop metaphoric thinking. States that in this exercise, students used their senses, prior knowledge, and imaginations to…

Outlines the differences between inferences and assumptions in critical thinking processes. Explains that as students develop critical intuitions, they increasingly notice how their point of view shapes their experiences. (AUTH/NB)

Explores "type 3" online educational discussions, in which instructors create an online learning community (OLC) via a threaded discussion that allows students to collect, evaluate, and create their own learning strategies. States that through the OLC, students construct their own understanding of how learning strategies work. (NB)

Urges education to help students learn through conceptual thinking. States that the first step must be to teach the subtleties of words--without a command of the language, important discriminations can be confused. Asserts that if students are to think well conceptually, surface language must dissolve, and alternative ways to communicate must be…

Discusses the integration of classes in a generational model for distance education, specifically the G3 model, which focuses on the implementation of a study skills course. Reports that students are presented with online handouts and links to developmental education sites, e-mail and Web-based forums, and audio-video conferences and chat rooms.…