The Research, Planning and Development Office of Milwaukee Area Technical College has developed a program evaluation procedure that quantitatively assesses 13 variables considered to be important indicators of program viability. These variables are used in three separate stages of the program evaluation: program monitoring, in-depth program…

Studies the effects of explicitly teaching a problem-solving strategy on problem-solving ability, course average, course success, and student retention, focusing on two microeconomics courses. Indicates that teaching problem solving helps students with low problem-solving skills remain in class and succeed. (DMM)

Describes a study conducted to assess the effects of teaching a structured notetaking procedure to Calculus I students. Reports higher success rates among students who learned the technique than students taking the course the previous term, and increasingly positive attitudes toward the procedure over the course of the term. (DMM)

In response to 1986 state legislation calling for improvements in college effectiveness and accountability, the California Community Colleges began various efforts to promote the evaluation of matriculation. One effort, the Matriculation Local Research Options Project, was formed in 1989 to develop models for local evaluation of matriculation and…

Following a discussion of various methods of evaluating the effectiveness of developmental programs, this paper presents a research design for the evaluation of a developmental math program. First, the paper examines the objectives and benefits of conducting formative and summative program evaluations. The paper then identifies the single group…

Reviews major research conducted between 1984 and 1989 on test anxiety among college, concluding that test anxiety may result from long-term memory problems. Explores techniques for reducing test anxiety, assessing the relative validity of each. Proposes a holistic approach to reducing test anxiety that addresses cognitive and emotional…

Assesses the effectiveness of methods used by instructors in Collin County Community College's psychology department to increase student involvement in learning: a laboratory component, extensive writing to learn, classroom research, and business/industry apprenticeships. Concludes that active participation promotes synthesis and integration of…

Presents a Collin County Community College District study assessing the effectiveness of "writing to learn" techniques in four Principles of Accounting classes, two taught in a traditional format with homework, and two using daily student journals. Reports promising results in terms of grades and retention rates. (DMM)

This study was conducted in Wisconsin to determine the current status of personnel within the vocational, technical and adult education (VTAE) districts responsible for research, planning, and development (RPD) activities, what activities were being performed by the districts, and the nature of involvement in the performance of these RPD…

The process of determining the effectiveness of developmental programs in two-year colleges was the focus of this study. It was limited to New York State, and designed in response to a request for proposals issued by Bureau of Grants Administration, New York State Education Department. The need for systematic review of developmental programs and…

Developed to help colleges enhance the effectiveness of their institutional research efforts, this workbook provides strategies for increasing effectiveness and examples of techniques and research from Maryland's Prince George's Community College (PGCC). First, an introduction summarizes the changing responsibilities of institutional research and…

Assesses effects on student performance and retention of efforts to enhance learning in two introductory accounting courses through more opportunities for active learning, more frequent feedback on student progress, and better standardization of student performance evaluations. Reports improvements in student performance but no change in…

In an effort to review the effectiveness and the impact of the Office of Institutional Research (OIR) at El Paso Community College (EPCC) and to identify and report any significant problems with the quality of service being provided to the college president and other key policy and decision makers, an evaluation plan and survey test instrument…

A study was conducted at Miami-Dade Community College (MDCC) to examine the separate and combined effects of entering basic skills levels and curriculum-related variables (i.e., grades in required English and math courses, the length of time between the course and the test, and the number of credits in developmental courses) in predicting student…

Beginning in 1978, Fullerton College implemented a mandatory assessment/placement program designed to assess student skills, ameliorate skill deficiencies through basic instruction, and place students in classes appropriate to their level of competency. A study was conducted to determine the impact of the skills prerequisite system on the progress…