This spring marks the 50th anniversary (May 17, 1954-2004) of the Supreme Courts' decision to outlaw segregation by ruling unanimously in favor of the plaintiffs in Brown v. the Board of Education. Of course, segregation never really ended, as will be explained in this interview with Cheryl Brown Henderson, daughter of Oliver Brown, the 10th of…

This column discusses the art of engaging text while reading. To read closely, students must get beyond impressionist reading. They must come to see that simply deciphering words on a page and getting some vague sense of what is there does not translate into substantive learning. Instead, they must learn that to read well is to engage in a…

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.…

Reviews six principles for effective developmental education teaching, including commitment to teaching underprepared students, command of the subject matter, and ability to teach a diverse student population. Integrates research findings from successful developmental education programs and general principles for effective teaching in…

Examines five perceived inhibitors of successful performance in an intermediate algebra course: (1) non-native English speaking faculty; (2) teaching assistants versus adjunct faculty; (3) student performance in mathematics versus other courses; (4) relationship of student performance to performance in subsequent mathematics courses; and (5)…

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)

Third in a series of columns focusing on teaching students to think critically, this column provides three templates useful in helping students practice analyzing and assessing the logic of a text. Discusses how to analyze an article, essay, or chapter; comprehend the logic of a textbook; and evaluate an author's reasoning. (NB)

Argues that the processes of locating, interpreting, and applying ideas gained from reading have remained constant, in spite of changing resources. Offers advice for structuring students' use of the Web by using an instructor-based site called WebQuest. Describes four ways to navigate this online resource. (NB)

Argues that in an era of decreased funding, postsecondary education and occupational services for disabled young adults are disappointing. Recommends using findings in the article to create an evaluation action plan as a routine component in programs targeted towards the disabled as well as any program in higher education. (Contains 22…

Argues that a student's intellectual development can be improved by interacting with students of a different ethnic background. Recommends increasing retention of minority students by focusing on developmental education in a systematic way. Also recommends that developmental educators should view diversity in the classroom as a benefit and not a…

Compares the outcomes of connected developmental mathematics and writing to those of nonconnected sections at a regional commuter campus at a Midwestern public university, proving that students enrolled in the two connected developmental classes had the highest retention rates. Recommends a holistic approach for institutions that teaches basic…

Describes a student assignment that asks at-risk students to write letters to college freshmen on how to succeed in college. Explores ten common themes in the letters. Recommends the project because it is a good writing exercise for at-risk students and it is also beneficial for freshmen that can learn the tools needed for success. (Contains 20…

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)

Discusses how technology has changed higher education and how it is important to teach developmental students to effectively use technology to become better students and more effective workers. Describes a variety of portable devices and learning strategy applications. Recommends that developmental educators seriously consider the use of Personal…

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)