This report provides an overview of the Learning Center at South Plains College (Texas) during the 1998-99 academic year. Since its inception in 1980, the Learning Center has offered developmental courses, collegiate instruction in reading and human development, peer-tutoring, computer-aided instruction, independent-study opportunities, workshops…

Argues that remedial education is essential to maintain open access to higher education. Reviews arguments for and against mandatory remediation in colleges. Proposes that course loads for remedial students be limited and sequential in nature until remediation is complete and that they be integrated with content courses. (18 citations.) (HAA)

Argues against the diminishing emphasis on mathematics as a logic system. Examines some of the basic tenets of logic and argues that when mathematics students are shown how to use logic and reasoning rather than memorization, they are able to develop stronger critical thinking skills. (AUTH/NB)

Asks a number of questions concerning the delivery of multicultural education, including, "How do we define multiculturalism?" and, "Whose responsibility is it to provide equity in higher education?" Articulates 10 guiding principles for achieving equity in institutions of higher learning, and offers a brief discussion of these principles.…

Discusses the goal of assessment in developmental writing classes. Stresses the need for instructors to be aware of the impact of their comments on student progress. Asserts that, in developmental classes, students may lack a number of skills, but the instructor needs to emphasize what students can offer and encourage them to move beyond their…

Argues that demandingness, responsiveness, and self-regulation could be used to organize, explain, and predict useful techniques for developmental education practitioners. Also contends that student self-regulation is developed in demanding and supportive environments. Stresses the need for a training initiative in developmental education.…

Investigates the effects of task repetition on the writing skills of upper-level developmental reading students. Reports that productivity, use of source text, and representation of key ideas improved with simple repetition of meaningful literacy tasks. However, there was also an increase in copying from the sources. (Contains 38 references.)…

Examines five perceived inhibitors of successful performance in an intermediate algebra course: (1) non-native English speaking faculty; (2) teaching assistants versus adjunct faculty; (3) student performance in mathematics versus other courses; (4) relationship of student performance to performance in subsequent mathematics courses; and (5)…

Urges two-year colleges to embrace the academic education of underprepared students as part of their institutional mission, provide appropriate remedial courses for students with lower academic skills, and offer workshops and training sessions for faculty to equip them with the skills needed to properly assist and teach these students. (DMM)

Explains that Canadian general education is intended to prepare students for community college, whereas advanced education is meant to ready them for university study. Offers 25 strategies for teaching on the general level. Argues that the tips can improve the teacher student relationship and make any subject more interesting and enjoyable for…

Presents three personnel issues and related problems for case studies that confront developmental program administrators, faculties, and staff. Addresses the challenge of team building when individuals do not want to participate and how to define workload equivalencies. Looks at professional development for personnel as it reflects upon academic…

Implementing classroom strategies that demonstrate and encourage appropriate academic behaviors for at-risk students can improve their academic performance. Evaluates the implementation of four classroom strategies in developmental English, reading, and math classes at Schoolcraft College. Finds that student participation in the strategies was…

Describes how CD-ROM technology and a subscription to a weekly news magazine were integrated into the curriculum of a community college developmental reading and writing course. Discusses how this system (1) adapts to the mix of ages, ability level, interests, and cultural experiences of students; (2) facilitates assignments on reading and writing…

States that sixty-three percent of 125 developmental students who participated in a retention study in fall of 1995 subsequently left the university, citing financial and academic problems. Recommends improving student retention through the use of early introduction of financial, academic and career counseling, and development of a freshmen…

Suggests that higher education historians often ignore or minimize the history of developmental education. Argues that this memory distortion may be an effort to avoid the discomfort of facing the history of inequity in higher education. (Contains 28 references.) (NB)