Classrooms, both by design and by accident, have been used to teach and reinforce certain ethics and ideologies. Examining the actual structures of a classroom one can recognize forces often hidden or considered background revealing how students and instructors together are culturally bound by educational spaces. Considerable research exists that…

This qualitative multi-case study explored undergraduate psychology students' experiences participating in creative drama activities the instructor/researcher developed to teach psychological concepts. The study was conducted in three introductory and developmental courses in a mid-western community college setting. Participants (cases) included…

Describes teachers as often being in a place of tension between responding to students as persons and responding to students in their institutional-defined roles. Studies the significance of communicative ambiguity for responsibility, and explores what is ethically at stake for teachers in erotic form of communication. Contains 14 references. (JS)

In 2001, the College of the Canyons (COC) (California) surveyed all faculty members hired between May 2000 and March 2001 to gather information about the experiences of newly hired faculty. Thirty-eight anonymous questionnaires (with both open- and closed-ended questions) were placed in the mailboxes of new faculty; 23 were completed and returned,…

Discusses seating arrangements in small developmental classes, suggesting that having students sit in a semi-circle or work in small groups can be effective ways to keep students from attempting to disappear in the back of the class. Also offers ways to deal with this issue in a computer classroom. (NB)

Advocates the use of technology to create a virtual learning environment where self-motivated students direct their own learning, freely interacting with both instructor and other students. (JDI)

Adult male and female students' perceptions of classroom social environments were compared on the dimensions of affiliation and involvement as measured by the Adult Classroom Environment Scale. Data from 439 students in an urban community college were tested using the general linear model procedure. Women perceived more affiliation and a greater…

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 form the basis for this discussion of students with disabilities and the role played by community college faculty in promoting their success. Practices that ensure receptive classroom environments are defined with examples. Contains 21 references. (TGO)

Advocates a structured and supportive learning environment in community colleges to respond to problems such as varied student learning rates, ability spans, and learning processes; poor readers; inexperienced writers; students' inability to listen and process information well; and lowered teacher expectations. Highlights teaching skills needed to…

This journal presents a forum for discussion and research related to correctional education programs and their effects on students. This inaugural issue contains the following articles: (1) "The Position of Correctional Education in the Current Crime Dilemma," by the editors, describing problems currently facing correctional administrators and key…

A study examined the literacy practices in community colleges, comparing literacy practices in occupational/technical classrooms with those in academic/liberal arts classrooms. "Literacy" is taken to mean both reading and writing and to include texts that are non-verbal--graphic or symbolic. The study was carried out by 8 researchers…

Discusses the important uses of Socratic seminars, exploratory intellectual conversations centered on a text and facilitated by the instructor, in critical thinking instruction. Indicates that Socratic seminars differ from discussions in that, whereas discussions feature debates leading to convergent thought patterns, seminars are based upon…

Underscores the importance of classroom climate and innovative teaching methods in creating a fertile environment for the teaching of critical thinking. Argues that critical thinking requires active learning. Briefly describes strategies such as five-minute "writes," panel presentations, discipline worksheets, and assignment interviews as ways of…

Studies a California community college that is implementing the learning paradigm--shifting from simply providing instruction to actively enhancing student learning. Suggests that community colleges undergoing this shift should examine ingrained perspectives of teaching and learning, create annual growth plans, provide inservice programs, and…

A number of classroom strategies are recommended for faculty members who are seeking ideas to help increase student success and reduce attrition in classes. After a discussion of the reasons for increasing concern with retention and attrition, ideas for use in the first few class sessions are presented, with suggestions related to setting a…