Presents an interview with adult education specialist, Malcolm Knowles, in which he discusses: the changing profile of college students; lifelong learning; definitions of "adults" and their implications for instruction; self-directed learning; models of educational planning; seven procedures for implementing adult education theories; and the…

Advocates the use of both descriptive and prescriptive approaches to designing developmental studies programs in community colleges. Defines competency-based education (CBE) and examines five critical elements of CBE: educational framework, systematic structure, educational attainment, learning outcomes, and instructional processes. Discusses the…

Describes four conditions that lead to productive teacher/tutor relationships: teacher choice of a tutor; understanding by both of the goals of the program; mutual understanding of the nature and limits of each other's authority and responsibility; and tutors' presence at and observable involvement in each class. (AYC)

A developmental English class for students who placed too low on entrance tests to take standard college freshman English is described. To overcome the class's fear of the assignment, a shill is used who complains loudly about writer's cramp, tiredness, and being embarrassed. Students become more confident, relax, and concentrate. (Author/MLW)

Describes a critical thinking course in which students perform ongoing critical analyses of themselves. Argues that developmental students lack internalized knowledge. Discusses four questions that students answer throughout the course: "Who are you?""How did you get that way?""What do you want to become?" and "Who are you now?" (AJL)

Discusses mainstreaming and centralization, two ways in which community colleges organize developmental education. Compares these models in terms of instructional quality, ancillary services, teacher characteristics, student reactions, reputation, and remediation. Offers recommendations to college administrators and state policy makers for…

This study examined use of literacy portfolios in a college developmental English class in which students who are deaf assessed their reading comprehension, writing processes, and products. Assignments involved reflective thinking and were grounded in authentic tasks. Various field research techniques were used to ascertain the uses and influences…

Offers a review of research conducted on reading comprehension, focusing on studies of the cognitive processes involved in the comprehension of the meaning of the microstructures and macrostructures of a text. (DMM)

Describes administration of the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) to three groups of United States Military Academy students in order to evaluate changes in student performance as a result of taking a student-success course (RS101). LASSI measures students' affective growth upon completion of the RS101 course and their growth in…

States that second-language acquisition students enrolled in developmental courses share the problem of making the transition from the personal to the abstract in discussing and reading academic topics. Reports on the collaboration aimed at increasing students' understanding of complex sociological and anthropological concepts while at the same…

Presents three categories of approaches to assess the impact of college supplemental instruction (SI) programs on an institution: anecdotal information; descriptive statistics; and inferential statistics. For SI programs required to justify their existence, these methods include a range of assessment devices from simple testimony to rigorous…

This study reports the use of technology in understanding reading and learning abilities (comprehension) of undergraduates in a psychology course. The study's favorable results provide support for further implementations and tests of self-paced computer instruction as a supplement or alternative to more traditionally organized teaching. Contains 4…

This interview, with one of the most influential professors in the field of developmental education and study skills, reviews the state of reading study skills as they apply to college students. Also discusses the new sixth edition of his book, "How to Study in College." (SL)

Reports an evaluation of factual study questions as a component of an introductory psychology course taught to developmental students with a computer-assisted, mastery learning teaching method based on Keller's (1968) Personalized System of Instruction (PSI). Recommends that instructors of introductory courses, especially those that serve…

Describes a study that sought to identify which remedial programs are most effective in community colleges. Reports that five college classrooms were visited at various times to observe teaching methods and class attendance. Concludes that one mode of instruction is not a panacea for all students and that colleges should offer at least two modes…