ERIC Number: ED177971
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1979-Apr-5
Pages: 18
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Looking Ahead: Spotlight on the Learner.
Cross, K. Patricia
Developmental education and underprepared entering college students are discussed in light of the increasing diversity in college student bodies. It is noted that larger numbers of older students are gaining access to higher education. Although specialists in the field of developmental education are equipped to deal with the problems of these new students, it is suggested that the average faculty member is not. Diversity is continuing to increase in student bodies, but volume or enrollment rates are remaining stable or declining. Problems created by these concurrent conditions center around demands for change and setting of priorities. It is recommended that efforts be focused on helping faculty members deal more adequately with diversity in their classrooms while keeping cost increases to a minimum. Special services such as counselors and tutors may be too expensive and it is recommended that students must assume more responsibility for their own learning. More alternative educational options should be made available such as: off-campus programs, flexible scheduling, and credit for prior learning. Advantages and disadvantages of these nontraditional approaches are discussed. The importance of reorienting the educational system to create self-directed learners is emphasized. (SF)
Descriptors: Change Strategies, College Faculty, College Students, Conference Reports, Cost Effectiveness, Developmental Programs, Educational Economics, Educational Quality, Enrollment Rate, High Risk Students, Higher Education, Instructional Improvement, Nontraditional Education, Nontraditional Students, Part Time Students, Prior Learning, Student Characteristics
Publication Type: Speeches/Meeting Papers; Opinion Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
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Author Affiliations: N/A
Note: Paper presented at the National Conference on Developmental Education (6th, Lexington, Kentucky, April 5, 1979)