This article describes the evaluation of separate discussion sections for special admissions students participating in a developmental program and attending an introduction to psychology course. In year one, the special admissions students were segregated into separate small enrollment discussion sections within the larger course. In year two,…

Proposes a comprehensive theory that focuses on the developmental education environment. Unites three basic concepts in this perspective--demandingness, responsiveness, and self-regulation--and uses them to organize, explain, and predict useful techniques for practitioners. Seeks to stimulate further research on developmental education practices…

Suggests that the current instructional paradigm--the lecture--is outmoded, as is the presentational format of most technology aid instruction. Recommends the use of the mastery learning model to transcend this outdated teaching paradigm for the instruction of developmental students. (42 references) (SL)

Reports an evaluation of factual study questions as a component of an introductory psychology course taught to developmental students with a computer-assisted, mastery learning teaching method based on Keller's (1968) Personalized System of Instruction (PSI). Recommends that instructors of introductory courses, especially those that serve…

Responds to Anne G. Koehler's "A New Paradigm for Teaching with Technology," which appeared in the Journal of Developmental Education (vol.22, issue 1, Fall 1998). States that the main objective in developmental education is for students to learn, but that teachers should also keep current with new technology and effectively monitor and redesign…

Dissatisfaction with student success has caused a crisis in developmental education. Critics from both inside and outside the field question whether remedial courses really prepare students for future college work or even if they are properly part of the college mission. In this article, we review research and present information that suggests…

Contends that developmental students can become more self-regulated in learning, appraising need for further study, deploying strategies to meet needs, and assessing their learning progress by using self-monitoring assignment record sheets developed by teachers. States that systematically tracking their performance helps students take ownership…

Argues that demandingness, responsiveness, and self-regulation could be used to organize, explain, and predict useful techniques for developmental education practitioners. Also contends that student self-regulation is developed in demanding and supportive environments. Stresses the need for a training initiative in developmental education.…

Examines the effectiveness of a personalized learning assistance intervention to overcome developmental students' procrastination in a computer-based introductory psychology course taught with the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI). An evaluation of the intervention suggests that it was effective in getting the procrastinating students to…

Describes a follow-up study on student performance that investigated whether students' lack of success in an introductory psychology course was specific to the class or part of a general pattern of failure. Finds that 9.5% of the students did not finish the course successfully and that academic intervention did not help. Contains 14 references.…

Contends that the high probability of error in placement decisions based on high school records and standardized test scores delays the academic development of many students placed unnecessarily in mandatory skill development programs. Advocates skills assessment based on current classroom performance. (DMM)