Analyzes the adjustments and changes that have evolved from the inception of a pilot portfolio program through the fifth semester of its implementation in a developmental English class. The program allows for authentic, performance-based assessment and challenges students to assume more control of their writing. Asserts that the final portfolio…

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…

Examines the culture-specific needs of Native-American students in higher education. Identifies family support, student-support services, and precollege preparation as factors contributing to academic success, and finances and cultural differences as contributing to failure. Asserts that developmental educators must be aware of these factors in…

Analyzes the ACT scores, GED scores, and college grade point averages of 251 students who were enrolled with GED credentials at a small four-year college to determine whether the GED and ACT scores are good predictors of college success. Finds that ACT scores are reliable predictors of college GPA, but that GED scores are not. Contains 26…

Explains the author's process in constructing and validating a survey, called the Preferred College Classroom Environment Scale, for her dissertation on women's perceptions of themselves in the college classroom. Offers suggestions to educators who want to construct their own surveys for program evaluation or similar types of research. Contains 30…

Describes the implementation of a comprehensive developmental-mathematics program at Onondaga Community College (New York) that provides students with assistance, from the evaluation of their entry-level skills through their transition to credit-level courses. Discusses key elements of the program, such as placement testing, diagnostic services,…

Reviews literature and statistical test data from previously administered student evaluations at Middle Tennessee State University to draw conclusions about evaluation reliability. Five series of tests were performed on the evaluations, comparing measures such as time of class and type of course taught. The most notable finding was that…

Discusses initiatives undertaken by Sheffield Hallam University (England) to raise awareness of higher education opportunities, increase access, and provide support to a diverse group of students in the local community. Describes the development of pre-entry transition courses and "awareness-raising" programs for students with disabilities, ethnic…

Describes a neurological condition called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD with hyperactivity) and its three main components: (1) trouble maintaining attention; (2) trouble paying appropriate attention; (3) trouble shifting focus. Provides a "survival guide" for educators with ADHD. (VWC)

Offers a review of research conducted on reading comprehension, focusing on studies of the cognitive processes involved in the comprehension of the meaning of the microstructures and macrostructures of a text. (DMM)

Describes a study of community college students attending a City Colleges of Chicago campus, who received high grades through diligent study rather than high aptitude. Interviews conducted with 26 students revealed that participation in learning, review/restudy, selectivity in classes and teachers, and planning were responsible for students'…

Explains the Monitor Model of adult second-language development. Describes a study conducted at Queens College to assess the value of mandatory reading laboratory attendance for English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students. (DMM)

Reviews research on the learning of mathematics and its implications for mathematics instruction. Highlights studies of children's arithmetic and influences on the learning and participation of minorities in mathematics. (DMM)

Offers a broad historical overview of research and theory in the teaching of composition, focusing on D. Gordon Rohman's study of the writing process; Janet Emig's introduction of the writing protocol; and Linda Flower and John R. Hayes's work on the mental processes involved in writing. (DMM)

Reviews research on psychophysiological approaches to learning and memory, focusing on memory aids, levels of rehearsal, and visual mnemotechnics. Explains and illustrates the use of study mapping, a system of note taking and studying appropriate for developmental reading courses. (DMM)