Analyzes two limitations associated with cooperative learning: how to evaluate the teamwork skills that students demonstrate during group work, and how to provide tasks that enable students to practice these teamwork skills. Discusses a new model of learning and instruction called Collaboration-Integration Theory (CIT), which ensures that students…

Examines the perceptions of instructors and administrators regarding self-directed learning modules for adult and younger students, comparing the modules' perceived effectiveness, benefits, and challenges. Addresses the issue of personal freedom versus the need for focus and guidance, finding that adult learners reported no freedom versus focus…

Describes the role of college presidents in the invigoration and renewal of trustees, administrators, faculty, adjunct faculty, paraprofessionals, secretaries, custodians, and maintenance personnel, as well as the external public served by the college. Suggests that comprehensive staff development programs are essential to institutional…

Argues that few new techniques for teaching remedial writing courses work. Suggests that learning styles, a research-based teaching approach, has demonstrated statistically significant results. Explains that learning styles aims to provide learning strategies that are compatible with individual learners. Reports on two experiments conducted at an…

Reviews the history of Massachusetts' 15 community colleges, from the first initiative in 1958 through the present. Outlines the colleges' purposes, responsibilities, and actions, and describes their finances, accountability, and governance. Discusses labor force development for high technology occupations, asserting that the colleges' training…

The publication of "A Nation at Risk" in 1983 triggered a series of major reform efforts in education that are still evolving. As part of the reform efforts, leaders began to refer to a Learning Revolution that would "place learning first by overhauling the traditional architecture of education." The old architecture--time-bound, place-bound,…

Examines the role of the community college in American society. Details historical changes in the community college and their implications, particularly with regard to their impact on pedagogy. Offers the town hall meeting as an alternative teaching method that maintains the social element of education. Includes evaluation survey results and 41…

Argues that the typical full-time community college instructor holds a "modern" world view whereas the typical traditional-age community college student holds a "postmodern" one. Discusses the implications of these differences in the classroom and suggests that classroom experience may be enhanced if teachers better understand students. (DMM)

In this article, the author writes from the perspective of a community college research practitioner, an institutional researcher whose daily work is intended primarily to affect policies, procedures and understanding of student learning and institutional effectiveness. The audience for this work is composed of faculty, administrators, staff,…

Reviews the debate over using Total Quality Management (TQM) in the college classroom. Argues that TQM can be effective if it is properly used. Discusses five phases for easing TQM implementation, and argues that most teachers already use some or all of the five phases when they teach. (AJL)

Argues that a central problem in higher education may be the "commoditization" of learning, or the idea of student as customer. Contends that learning-centered colleges must address the issue of passion for learning as they develop strategic plans for improving outcomes of education. (NB)

Proposes a theoretical framework for including higher order thinking and problem solving in vocational education. Reviews recent theories of advanced learning, addressing the brain's role in constructing meaning, contextualized learning, and flexible cognition theory. Considers the applicability of hypertext and multimedia for learning complex…

Contends that educational organizations must shift their focus from innovative online product development to a standardization of the product with an increase in process innovation and development. Asserts that an increase in process design is the next step toward developing, implementing, and refining collaborative learning, learning communities,…

Describes the formation of Mississippi's community college system, indicating that it is the largest single sector of the state's postsecondary education system. Reviews the colleges' role in workforce training and economic development and their provision of advanced technology centers and distance learning. Discusses the future of the system. (27…

Argues that by skillful leading and investment in professional development programs, community college leaders can facilitate the successful transformation of campuses into centers of technology-based learning. States that distance education is in line with the community college mission of access and equity, and hence must be incorporated.…