In a study designed to analyze faculty and student perceptions of the value of digital writing in the first year composition classroom, 21 first-year college students and a nationwide sample of 50 college composition teachers participated in conceptualizing digital multimodal composition and defining the benchmarks for first-year college digital…

This qualitative study focused on observed and perceived changes in academic and personal attitudes and behaviors by student participants in the Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) program at the University of Minnesota (UMN). The PAL model employs best practices from national peer learning models including Supplemental Instruction, Peer-led Team…

This paper outlines the results of a pilot study conducted to determine the impact on grade outcomes and self-efficacy from the incorporation of preparation-homework (pre-hw) in a developmental mathematics classroom. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. This study found that those students who reported doing pre-hw significantly…

Since more than one third of students in postsecondary education enroll in remedial or developmental courses (Aud et. al, 2011) and even more take advantage of different types of tutoring, remediation is an important part of our colleges and universities. While some literature speaks to the public perception of remediation (Boylan & Bonham, 2007;…

In the fall, millions of students arrive at colleges and universities to begin their first-year transition. Although some will find this transition to be seamless, the majority will encounter some academic, social, emotional, or intellectual challenges that will need to be resolved by the end of the academic year. Many will be unprepared, and will…

This paper presents a follow-up to a previously published paper "The Connection between Role Model Relationships and Self-Direction in Developmental Students" and is based on findings from the same study. The study used observations and interviews to explore the ways in which a cohort of developmental writing students described their understanding…

Presents results of study conducted with community college intermediate algebra students. Reports that students taught with Reform-Computer Assisted Instruction (R-CAI) significantly outperformed on the conceptual measure than students taught with Lecture-based Instruction (LBI). Adds that students in the R-CAI environment experienced significant…

Argues that course syllabi and instructors' presentation of them set a tone for interaction with students. Relates incident in which a student in the author's class disrupted the class by regularly leaving to feed a parking meter. Student's behavior sparked discussions among colleagues regarding ways of presenting syllabi in relation to classroom…

Describes a survey on student motivation and presents developmental education students' responses describing their strategies for academic success. Addresses the importance of combining effort with effective study strategies, planning, finding a quiet space, being persistent, and preparing for class. (NB)

Examines reasons cited by conditionally-admitted and early-admitted freshmen for choosing to attend college. Finds that parents and family had the greatest influence on both groups; however, the conditionally-admitted students cited these influences more often as the primary influence. Discusses other influences cited by both groups, such as…

Examines the effectiveness of two writing-to-learn formats in helping developmental students master biological information and in decreasing writing anxiety. Objective measures showed a small but significant decrease in writing anxiety over the quarter, unrelated to writing format. Writing format also had little effect on content knowledge, based…

Discusses whether written or oral peer review is more successful in developmental composition courses. Concludes that while oral reviews are generally preferred by intermediate developmental students, the success of peer review depends on the conglomerate personality of the class itself, based on the students' writing ability, self-concept,…

Presents findings from a study of 251 faculty members and 227 undergraduate students, regarding attitudes about what constitutes academic dishonesty. States that, even within each group, there was considerable range of opinion on specific issues, such as whether it is dishonest for a student to turn in the same paper for two classes or to…

Presents findings from a study entitled "Developmental Students' Perceptions of the Factors that Contribute to Academic Success." Focuses on the factors students identify as being significant in creating, nurturing, and maintaining commitment. Specifies the influence of role models, goals, personal circumstances, and the observation of the…

Speculates on the causes of attrition in developmental-education classes, stating that two factors influencing it are how well a student identifies with his or her institution and the quality of faculty-student interaction. Asserts that institutions must be aware of the cultural histories and socialization experiences students bring with them, and…