The pressure to get students to write effectively and to think critically, and the role that literature plays in this task, is a recurring issue in the history of English instruction. In part, this debate stems from contradictory philosophies of the goals of an introductory writing class held by both writing program administrators and composition…

While America's two-year colleges are diverse in function, mission, clientele, and organizational structure, they share a common identity in their commitment to a developmental philosophy. A rarely used, but nonetheless tenable and cost-saving path to development involves exploring strategies which simultaneously contribute to faculty, student,…

Family stories, told and retold, become important vehicles in shaping the lives of family members. Knowing and understanding family narratives can aid students in understanding their families' histories, communication patterns, and meanings. The stories are a cohesive element for holding the family together, and may also capture the essence of the…

This introduction to computer simulations as an integrated learning experience reports on their use with students in grades 5 through 10 using commercial software packages such as SimCity, SimAnt, SimEarth, and Civilization. Students spent an average of 60 hours with the simulation games and reported their experiences each week in a personal log.…

The transition from high school to college can be challenging and stressful for any student; it can prove to be an overwhelming experience for disabled students. Among major problems disabled students experience are: the perception that disabled persons are passive and need assistance in all areas; a lack of awareness of their rights and…

This paper begins by discussing a National Institute of Education report (NIE, 1984) which was compiled by the study group on the conditions of excellence in American higher education and which focused on student involvement, higher expectations, and assessment and feedback. The NIE report is presented as a framework which academic professionals…

Group counseling has been shown to be an efficient use of a school counselor's time and an effective tool for working with students. In process groups, the emphasis is on the process of growth and interaction. Counselors face obstacles they must overcome in order to organize effective group counseling programs in secondary schools. Gaining staff…

St. Petersburg Junior College's Project Success provides mentoring and other special support services to students with low placement test scores. Teachers, librarians, counselors, and other staff members meet, usually on a weekly basis, with five students per semester to provide support and assistance with problems. The mentors receive reports on…

Information on the Colorado College Plan, students and faculty at Colorado College, and reactions to the Colorado College Plan is presented. The plan is a revised curricular program, a main feature of which is the division of the academic year into nine blocks. Students take one course per block, faculty members teach a single course, and varied…

The philosophy of the cluster system operating at Oakton Community College (OCC) is described in this paper along with changes that have occurred in the system over the past few years. Part I describes the social, political, and educational environment in which the philosophy of the cluster system was forged. Additionally, this section identifies…

Nine two-year colleges were visited during an administrative professional development leave from the Community College of Allegheny County. The visits were conducted during summer 1983 to observe and discuss: (1) college programs with business and industry; (2) student development programs; (3) academic and administrative uses of technology; and…

Current methods and instruments for assessing college student academic outcomes are identified and described, and possible outcome measures of NCRIPTAL's (National Center for Research to Improve Postsecondary Teaching and Learning) are suggested. Section I defines college outcomes from several perspectives, including pressures for outcome…

An innovative teaching method used in a theories of personality class at Eastern New Mexico University is described. The objectives of this method were to foster growth in creativity among students by involving them in creative activities or experiential sessions and to test for improvement in student creativity scores. The following procedure was…

A model for living learning centers and practical and philosophical considerations that face residence educators who wish to implement the concept are examined. The issues addressed in this guide are designed to promote further discussion and research into the development and applications of the living learning concept on today's college campus.…

The Summer Orientation Registration Program at the University of Maryland, "Maryland Review," is described. Dominated by academic information and decision-making sessions, it deals with concerns of general adjustment and dissemination of information about campus services and facilities. Students selected as peer advisors undergo specific training…