Until recently, many colleges provided academic support to students by requiring students to complete one or more developmental education courses in a subject area before they could enroll in college-level coursework. As early as 2010, research indicated that very few students were making it out of these developmental education courses and into…

This paper presents a qualitative study that used classroom observations, faculty interviews, and student interviews to investigate the meaning and importance of seven non-cognitive variables to a cohort of developmental writing students at an urban community college. The variables studied included finances, study management, college surroundings,…

Supports the use of the Testing T as an organizational tool to help students anticipate exam questions based on notes from lectures and prepare sample answers. Answers students' common questions about the method, such as "How many questions should I write?" and "How long should it take?" (DMM)

This interview, with one of the most influential professors in the field of developmental education and study skills, reviews the state of reading study skills as they apply to college students. Also discusses the new sixth edition of his book, "How to Study in College." (SL)

Discusses how developmental educators can provide support for students underprepared for the reading, writing, and mathematics requirements of distance education. Describes various technology tools that are available, including e-mail, bulletin boards, listservs, and chat rooms. Provides suggestions for developing a distance…

This annual serial issue of the Maryland Association for Higher Education (MAHE) contains seven papers on developmental education programs and other academic support services at postsecondary institutions in Maryland. The papers are: (1) "Report of the Remedial Education Subcommittee, Maryland Partnership for Teaching and Learning, K-16 Work…

Presents research results comparing students' course content mastery in two study skills classes, one using traditional teaching methods and one utilizing McCarthy's 4MAT teaching model. 4MAT takes brain dominance into consideration and suggests specific instructor roles for students grouped according to learning style. (DMM)

Investigates whether aptitude/achievement subgroups of developmental college students differ in their reported use of self-regulated learning strategies, task value, and grade expectations. Reports that only low-achieving and low-aptitude students differed significantly from their peers, indicating that subgroups may have a greater need for…

Assesses Supplemental Instruction (SI), a voluntary academic assistance program aimed at improving at-risk student performance through small-group work. Analyzes data collected from a political science class supported by SI. Reports that SI has a positive short- and long-term impact on conditional students, and no impact on traditional students.…

Most instructors and administrators will refer to a student's lack of study and organizational skills to explain why so many freshmen students drop out or fail to continue with their educational goals. Often students graduate high schools without having to vigorously study and apply themselves in order to pass. As a result, many students enter…

There has been a significant increase in the numbers of underprepared students entering colleges and universities. At Schoolcraft College, in Michigan, data consistently indicate that large percentages of students score below college level in reading, writing, and mathematics skills. Classroom techniques that can help faculty better meet the needs…

Sponsored by a special interest group of the International Reading Association, the focus of this journal issue is on college reading improvement. Chapter titles include "College Level Developmental Reading and Study Skills Programs: Survey Report and Overview"; "Providing Assistance to College Science Teachers"; "Sitting in on Doctors Pompous and…

This study investigated the effects of a study skills course combined with or without class-specific tutoring, and whether or not faculty would be able to observe differences in behavior of high risk students as a result of student participation in the two different levels of intervention. Students (n=22) in the College Skills Development Program…

This paper addresses the methodological issues encountered when attempting to evaluate a college course's effectiveness by determining whether students who enroll in it perform at higher levels than students who did not enroll. The paper identifies resource people who may be helpful in the evaluation, and offers guidelines for the research…

In winter 1995, a study was conducted at Rochester Community College (RCC), in Minnesota, to examine the effectiveness of a study skills class (SS198). Specifically, the study sought to determine if the course met established criteria of retaining 50% of completers in good academic standing for 1 year, to compare retention rates to non-enrolled…