This paper focuses on the students who are registered in the University of Pretoria's academic development programme, named the Four-year Programme (FYP). The programme was introduced as a gateway for students who are underprepared but have the potential to succeed and then continue their studies into the mainstream science programmes. Our…

This article explores one basic writer's evolution as he moves from the lowest level of developmental English at a community college to graduate with a Bachelor's degree. Combining personal narrative, essay excerpts, and textual analysis, this piece aims to expand the borders of scholarship in composition studies to include basic writers as…

This paper presents the results of a study investigating the short- and long-term effects of secondary schools upon student academic success and development. A questionnaire was administered to a randomly selected sample of 15% of Cypriot students who graduated in June 2004 and June 2005 from secondary schools. A good response rate (i.e., 66%) was…

Minority students from low-income families face challenges in their daily lives that continually interfere with their academic performance as well as their ability to prepare for college. Although the educational system is viewed as "the great equalizer" that gives everyone an opportunity for upward social mobility, sociological and educational…

This article, the second in a three-part series, outlines the qualitative research design and findings. The qualitative study was conducted three to five years after students completed their developmental mathematics course work at a large Midwest public university. The purpose was to collect students' points of view regarding what, if any,…

This report provides a description of how developmental students perform in 26 of Michigan's associate degree-granting institutions. The study finds that 67% of students enrolled in developmental English passed; 52% of students enrolled in developmental math passed; and 67% of students enrolled in developmental reading passed. It is more common…

This report describes the educational outcomes of students enrolled in developmental/remedial courses at one postsecondary institution. Three questions are addressed: What are the demographics of students enrolled in developmental/remedial courses? What percentage of students pass developmental/remedial courses on the first attempt? and How do…

This report documents student outcomes in developmental English and mathematics courses at Germanna Community College (Virginia) for the academic years 1994-95 through 1999-2000. It provides data to answer three questions: What proportion of students enroll in developmental courses? What is the success rate for students enrolled in developmental…

A survey of (N=423) community colleges showed 44 percent had human development/human relations classes. Results found a strong impact on improving self-concept, and modest impact associated with increasing retention and student employability. Little improvement of opportunity for student input into curriculum development was noted. (JAC)

Asserts that teaching as a political act, a construct supported by critical theorists, is appropriate for the developmental educator. Education is a means of exciting the active and critical minds of students, of breaking through the boundaries of traditional learning on college campus through authentic dialogue and the critical exploration of the…

Upon entry to New River Community College (NRCC), placement tests are administered to students enrolling in curricula and to students enrolling in English and mathematics classes. Based on preestablished cutoff scores on the placement tests, students are advised by counselors to take appropriate courses. In 1990, NRCC tracked students from…

In the prevailing atmosphere of concern for basic skills development, Houston Community College System (HCCS) faculty and administration perceived the need for a self-evaluation of HCCS's developmental studies programs. The purposes of the resulting study are: (1) to evaluate the effectiveness of the institution's developmental studies programs by…