Argues for learning communities as a fruitful milieu for cognitive development and knowledge construction. Provides a metaphor of a constructivist learning community organization grounded on French scientist and philosopher Pierre Teilhard de Chardin's theory of evolution. Asserts that Teilhardian thought is useful for conceptualizing a…

Administration of the Learning Styles Inventory (LSI) to randomly selected groups of 1,769 male and 1,369 female community college students revealed statistically significant differences between males and females on 15 of the 21 LSI scales. Differences in learning preferences for structure, content, and mode of instruction, and for academic…

Describes three relational patterns of community college students in their course experience: survivor, adjustor, and encounterer. Uses Passmore's theory of closed and open capacities as a framework for a model of planning and implementing instruction to move students from survivors or adjustors to encounterers. (Contains 12 references.) (AUTH/NB)

Analyzes effectiveness of learning communities (LCs), which deliberately restructure the curriculum to build a community of learners among students and faculty. Reports that, although LCs have been praised, there continues to be a lively debate among community college educators as they examine and assess how LCs might best help them serve…

A study was conducted at Harcum Junior College in order to ascertain what modes of learning students preferred and to determine which of these learning modes afforded the students the most enjoyment. A survey was distributed to the student body; a 50% rate of response was achieved. Results indicated that students felt they learned most from class…

Discusses the teaching perspective of Systemocentrism, or teacher/learner-centeredness, and two of its main elements: (1) attention to teachers' and learners' inner experience; and (2) attention to the intersubjective systems that develop among teachers and learners. Suggests that Systemocentrism provides faculty developers with a new tool for…

This study investigated three aspects of Internet-based community college classes: the distribution of learning styles of the students enrolled, student preferences for specific methods of instruction, and the relationship between student learning styles and preferences for methods of instruction. The results of the study might help educators…

A simulated art history textbook reading assignment was designed to examine the effects of visual information on student learning and understanding. A sample of 234 students was taken from a population of freshman/sophomore English students in a large metropolitan community college district. In phase one of the study, students took the Group…

The Maricopa Community College District (MCCD) intends this document to serve as a starting point for focusing on the following major themes: (1) dialogue about learning, given that changes are occurring in and around the learning process; (2) a common understanding of learning as a complex process on order to provide a framework for dialogue; and…

This study evaluated two developmental learning communities, named the Integrated Studies Communities ISC, at Parkland College in Illinois. The primary purpose of the study was to compare the students in the ISC with similar underprepared students in the regular curriculum. The ISC offers four linked courses, and participating students take them…

Focuses on the benefits provided by telecommunication and the adaptation of distance learning models in higher education. Argues that distance learning is cost-effective, time-effective, accessible, and flexible, and that varying student populations and a changing economy make distance education a vital new tool. (NB)

Reports on a study of critical thinking goals in senior capstone courses. Finds that: (1) independent research and group projects are the most effective methods to teach critical thinking, according to faculty; and (2) students felt that they expanded their intellectual curiosity and learned to think more effectively because of these courses.…

Between 1974 and 1976 the Two-Year College Development Center conducted a project to provide cognitive style information to faculty, counselors, and administrators at 21 two-year colleges in New York through a series of seminars and workshops. During 1976, the project focused on four questions identified as crucial to the application of cognitive…

Describes a Northern Virginia Community College online course that was designed to assist students in learning about the structure of knowledge and the steps in the learning process. Asserts that the ability to understand, control, and direct one's own learning is essential to becoming an effective lifelong learner. Contains 16 references. (NB)

A study was conducted in Spokane, Washington, to determine motivational factors and preferred conditions that would encourage adults to participate in learning activities. Interviews were conducted with 600 randomly selected households (89 percent success rate) distributed across the age, educational attainment, occupational, and socioeconomic…