A study investigated factors affecting participation, engagement, and retention of non-native English-speaking students (NNSs) in community college mainstream classes. The student sample included three classes in developmental English at a small western Massachusetts community college. Data were drawn from taped classroom observations and student…

In 1985-86 the "Women in the Technical Curricula" project was developed at Queensborough Community College to encourage more women to choose a technical curriculum and to provide support services to help them successfully complete the curriculum. The project activities were designed to eliminate the stereotype of mathematics and related…

In spring and fall 1988, a two-phase study was conducted at Nassau Community College to evaluate two courses in the mathematics program: Preparatory Mathematics (MAT 001) and Introductory Algebra (MAT 002). Pre- and post-tests for the classes were administered to assess student learning outcomes. The first phase of the study examined aspects of…

This three-part concept paper was the result of a colloquium, during which 35 community college educators met in Traverse City, Michigan, to discuss issues related to access, assessment, and developmental education and to develop concept papers and recommendations for each topic. First, introductory material describes the colloquium and its…

Using the experiences of Rockland Community College (RCC) as examples, this paper suggests a number of successful cognitive and affective strategies for the educationally disadvantaged in community colleges, focusing on those which are competency based, cost effective and retention sensitive. First, trends in developmental/remedial education are…

Issues in community college basic skills instruction are reviewed and two model programs are outlined in this paper. First, concerns about student illiteracy, lack of academic preparation, and failure to complete courses are discussed, and public demands for educational accountability are examined. Next, the relationship between the "open…

Four types of developmental education programs have been designed to help students overcome or compensate for: (1) deficiencies in grades or subjects required for admission to a senior institution or to colleges and transfer programs (Pre-Transfer); (2) deficiencies in reading, writing, speech, arithmetic, study habits, motivation, and other…

As a supplement to the Los Rios Community College District Master Plan, this paper provides a model for student diagnosis within the district's instructional programs. The report first identifies three diagnostic areas: determination of the remedial instruction needed by students, identification of their preferred learning styles, and survey of…

Discusses major issues facing the community college: the need to provide, along with open admission, adequate supportive services to ensure student success; the need for appropriate assessment of students' skills and careful placement in responsive educational programs; and the need to provide effective developmental education. Offers…

Describes a national survey of directors of occupational education at community colleges conducted to determine their perceptions of the importance of selected occupational education supportive services (e.g., open admissions, career/academic advising, financial aid, women's programs, remediation and developmental education, and placement). (LAL)

Focusing on the debate over the need for and appropriateness of remedial/developmental programs in higher education, this volume addresses policy issues related to the provision of such programs and presents state, national, and case study data. The following nine chapters are provided: (1) "Who Should Provide Postsecondary Remedial/Developmental…

This document is a final report on a two-year study involving nine community colleges, four disciplines and two special programs, 49 faculty, and 2,381 students in an exploration of the relationship between developmental courses and computer-based instruction. The report begins with an introduction, a description of students needing developmental…

A survey of 43 Texas community college libraries reveals that although 90 percent of these colleges have a developmental education program, less than 28 percent provide large number of library services to such programs, and particularly lack bilingual handbooks and special library instruction for developmental students. Twenty-two references are…

Examines and evaluates three approaches used by community colleges to provide academic assistance to educationally underprepared students: offering compensatory programs and services as electives; requiring certain students to participate in skills courses; and offering basic skills instruction as part of regular courses. (DMM)

Considers the increasing number of poorly prepared college students. Argues that conventional instruction, which stresses weaknesses, deteriorates students' self-image. Recommends focusing programs and teaching strategies on student individuality. Underscores the importance of rigorous preassessment and self-assessment of natural limitations.…