In 1987-88, a study was conducted at Piedmont Virginia Community College to determine between-quarter retention rates for various student groups and to compare the characteristics of returning and non-returning students. The study used end-of-quarter data to determine retention rates based on headcount and full-time equivalency. Rates were also…

Provides examples of nested subroutines, focusing on the Gaussian quadrature function and test program (program listings included). Nested subroutines, features of the Gaussian quadrature, and when not to use it are considered. (JN)

Because a review of the literature shows a relationship between reading and writing, a project devised for teaching college composition classes consists of five assignments, culminating with a formal research paper. Students begin the project by doing research on an essayist chosen from a list provided by the teacher. In the first assignment,…

Describes how two faculty members of a liberal arts, Catholic university used constructivist learning theory and Reuven Feuerstein's concept of the mediated learning experience to create an environment of enculturation in an interdisciplinary philosophy course for doctoral students from multiple cultures. (EV)

ANALYSES OF FACTORS THAT AFFECT VOCATIONAL, TECHNICAL, AND GENERAL ADULT EDUCATION IN FLORIDA ARE PRESENTED THROUGH (1) ANALYSIS OF AVAILABLE PERTINENT DATA CONCERNING POPULATION GROWTH AND DISTRIBUTION, (2) FACTUAL PRESENTATION OF THE EXISTING PROGRAMS OF VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION, (3) ACCUMULATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF DATA SHOWING…

The New Horizons project was a workplace literacy partnership during which 454 employees (53%) of Georgetown Steel attended classes provided by Horry-Georgetown Technical College in Conway, South Carolina. Of the 454 participants, 294 were white, 159 were black, 71 were female, 383 were male, 133 had been with the company for 5 years or less, and…

Presents a three-step model for developing competency-based programs in accordance with the new Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1990. Covers the identification of program competencies, course design, and the development of course descriptions and syllabi. Discusses documentation requirements. (DMM)

A project was initiated to provide a means of assisting nontraditional community college students with an area of special need--career selection. An IBM PC-XT microcomputer was purchased, and Educational Testing Services SIGI (System of Interactive Guidance Information) Plus career search software was leased to disseminate vocational education…

Designed to assist persons charged with the preparation of planning proposals that meet the requirements of the program of federal assistance to vocational education, this booklet reviews several types of planning strategies. After introductory comments, the booklet lists several steps that all planners should incorporate into their strategy: (1)…

This report is a summary of discussions at a roundtable meeting conducted in April 2000 by the National Governors' Association Center for Best Practices and Manpower Demonstration Research Corporation to discuss expanding postsecondary opportunities for low-income, working parents and welfare recipients. Section I offers background. Sections II-IX…

Provides applications of mathematics designed to demonstrate to students how the topics under study are used in the real world. The ultimate objective is to convince students of the usefulness of mathematics. (ASK)

A study was conducted at Miami-Dade Community College (M-DCC), in Florida, to determine the demographic and academic characteristics of students by their employment status. Surveys were sent to a sample of 3,045 students classified as unemployed, working 1-20 hours per week, working 21-40 hours per week, or working more than 40 hours per week.…

Discusses a computer simulation to teach logic design using a Macintosh computer which allows circuits to be built piece by piece. Describes features of the simulation and presents several schematics drawn by the software. (MVL)

The Arizona Vocational Education Act of 1982 established countywide planning councils composed of representatives of secondary schools, community colleges, proprietary schools, employment and training, government, business and industry to coordinate the vocational education planning process. This progress report reviews the councils'…

Describes a study that uses multiple regression analysis to identify factors associated with attrition as well as discriminant analysis to develop a profile of high-risk students before they start classes. Results show that being placed on academic probation was the best predictor of whether a student would leave school. Includes one data table.…