We report on an outcomes assessment of the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Program at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. Using follow-up survey data and academic transcripts, we gauge SURE's impact on levels of interest in, preparedness for, and actual pursuit of graduate study and professional careers in the sciences for the…

A program allowing students to retest at a scheduled time during the course to raise a grade, by taking a variation on an original test, is described, and its advantages and disadvantages are outlined. Suggestions are given for making the technique more successful. (MSE)

A program developed by a mathematics educator at the University of California at Berkeley is changing the way mathematics and science are being taught to minority group students. The workshop program stresses academic excellence and tackles mathematics problems that are tougher than those in the regular class. (MLW)

While the Personalized System of Instruction introduced by Keller individualizes the college classroom, it may be impractical when time is limited by administrative rules, without modification. Having students pace themselves within a fixed academic time period usually leads to procrastination and cramming at the end of the semester/quarter. The…

Presents a model for an instructional system for low-achieving students, including such elements as proactive preenrollment, entry-level assessment and mandatory placement, basic skill development, articulation with subsequent courses, instructional prescriptions based on assessment, content-based instruction, exit testing, and student behavior…

The role of motivation and collaboration in STEM learning and performance is paramount. A learning community represents an educational approach that can engage students in learning in a motivated, thoughtful, active, and collaborative way. The focus of this article is on the nature of students' interest, attitudes, learning experiences and…

Learning communities continue to be at the heart of teaching and learning today. The purpose of this study is to examine the extent of the impact of the Freshman Academy/Learning Community program on student progress at a historically Black university. The authors also looked at the extent to which students engaged in their learning as a result of…

The Academic Excellence Workshop at California State Polytechnic University (Pomona) has greatly improved performance and persistence of women and Latino science, mathematics, and engineering majors taking calculus, the crucial gateway course. This suggests persistence and success are more related to college classroom experiences and expectations…

Designed as a forum for the exchange of ideas on teaching and learning in Utah's community colleges, this journal presents a series of essays by college faculty. The September 1988 issue contains: (1) "The Community College Academic Environment--And Me," by Timothy R. Bywater, which highlights the strengths of Dixie College, including…