Many learning center administrators understand the need to evaluate the effectiveness of their tutoring programs, but they do not have much free time to design and conduct meaningful research. This article presents a method of evaluation that can be used to determine whether students were able to demonstrate understanding after a tutoring…

Discusses the two core approaches (the deep approach and the surface approach) for writing by college students. Deep approach involves conception is oneself as an agent in making meaning and the surface approach is linked to a more passive strategy marked by reproduction of reorganization of information. Concludes with recommendations for…

Discusses a study that examines the effects of paired tutoring and mentoring on academic achievement of college freshmen in a probationary program. Results show that students with mentoring and tutoring services by the same person show greater academic gains as measured by compliance and academic achievement than do those students who were…

Discusses how after a Supplemental Instruction program is up and running, it is useful to have a health check-up to see how vigorous the program is. Points out that the impacts of SI programs are diminished when activities are reduced. Presents a health checklist based on the elements of a fully functioning Supplemental Instruction program. (MZ)

Describes the rationale for implementing a book club or a book discussion in college developmental reading classes in order to offer both the instructor and the students a chance to interact with the text and peers. Gives instructions on how one can implement a book club including details about the entire process. (Contains 18 references and 2…

Argues that the TRPP (Theory, Research, Practice, Principles) model provides a framework that helps teachers to cross the divide between theory and practice. Explains that the ultimate goal is to maximize student potential, particularly through critical reflection. Presents principles with a specific example for practice. (Contains 18 references.)…

Analyzes a tutor survey conducted at Ball State University (Indiana) and addresses pragmatic questions related to issues of tutor motivation. States that the goals of the research are to improve hiring, training, and managing procedures of tutor coordinators, and to offer a better understanding of tutors. (Contains four tables and seven…

Describes a process model for serving students with disabilities. Reports that, from a systems perspective, the model provides guidance for building and maintaining a program and consists of eight components that offer a global framework from which to view the program. Includes guidelines for program evaluation. (Contains 16 references.) (NB)

Discusses a hierarchy of concerns tutors can use in working with ESL writers. Suggests that the student's understanding of the assignment, development of a thesis, logical organization, and fully developed ideas all supplant minor issues, such as improper use of the definite article or subject/verb agreement. (NB)

Addresses the traditional understanding of reliability as it pertains to writing portfolio assessments. Offers a list of practical actions that can be taken to increase assessment reliability, including explicit definitions of what a portfolio holds, rater training, rater burnout, and consistent rating procedures. (Contains 26 references.) (NB)

Proposes that there is a need for a specially trained group of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) literacy tutors for college and university tutoring and writing centers. Argues that literacy tutors with a sufficient background in linguistics and second language acquisition would be better equipped to handle non-native speakers' requests for…

Argues that a controlled study of Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions in college chemistry showed that participants benefited from SI sessions to an extent that cannot be explained only by their higher levels of motivation. Reports that SI includes services such as one-on-one, drop-in, and group tutoring. (Contains 11 references.) (AUTH/NB)

Argues that demandingness, responsiveness, and self-regulation could be used to organize, explain, and predict useful techniques for developmental education practitioners. Also contends that student self-regulation is developed in demanding and supportive environments. Stresses the need for a training initiative in developmental education.…

Suggests that higher education historians often ignore or minimize the history of developmental education. Argues that this memory distortion may be an effort to avoid the discomfort of facing the history of inequity in higher education. (Contains 28 references.) (NB)

Reviews the literature on technology applied to early interventions. Reports results from a study that compared instructor and advising staff effects on the impact of early alerts. States that the results cast doubt on early alerts as an effective tool to improve the performance of at-risk students. (AUTH)