The proposal project stretches over a significant portion of the semester-long sophomore course Professional Communication (ENG 250) at Monroe Community College. While developing their proposal project, students need to use time management skills to successfully complete a quality project on time. In addition, excellent oral and written…

Describes the ways in which a problem-based learning (PBL) approach to teaching precalculus can prepare students for calculus by helping students develop a conceptual understanding rather than learning through symbol manipulation and memorization. Discusses the exponential, trigonometric, polynomial, and rational function modules employed. (NB)

Argues that the discipline of geography needs to be transformed from a declarative enterprise based on facts to a problem-based enterprise, particularly in light of the shrinking world community. Describes the ways in which a geography instructor addressed the problem-based learning struggle between process and content. (Contains 23 references.)…

Assesses the potential power of an active community college alumni association in political situations, in student recruitment, and on advisory committees. Advocates inclusive membership; discusses yearly membership fees v financial support by the college; stresses the importance of making college services available to members and of providing…

Argues that problem-based learning (PBL) shows students that the best scientists are not those who memorize facts, but rather those who apply facts in a creative manner. Explains that the author, who incorporated group learning into a general education science course, found that PBL led to increased class attendance and participation. (Contains…

After defining trade advisory committees as groups of individuals who have been selected because of their special knowledge and expertise to give advice on education programs, this report identifies the functions of the advisory committee in the areas of educational objectives, instructional content, program evaluation, review of equipment and…

Argues that it is critical to assess the extent of students' cumulative learning in problem-based learning (PBL) undergraduate education. Discusses five myths about this assessment process, including (1) there are no instruments that assess skills, attitudes, and knowledge associated with PBL; and (2) we can only assess what students learn within…

Suggests the use of thematically integrated readings to impose meaningful organization on reading course content, by selecting a theme which lends itself to a broad spectrum of academic disciplines and genres. Recommends a variety of collaborative learning problem-solving tasks to help students assert control over their learning environment. (DMM)

States that cooperative learning in developmental mathematics classes has greater success rates than do traditional remedial courses. Discusses learning communities--in which instructors work with other instructors to help students connect mathematics with other disciplines, and in which there is an increased level of peer interaction--as an…

A description is provided of the use of a group process approach to the Freshman English research paper at El Paso Community College. After highlighting problems associated with traditional approaches to freshman research papers, an overview of the group process approach is provided, along with warnings for instructors who might view the approach…

Argues that most curriculum changes within colleges and universities have been implemented on a short-term, piecemeal basis. Suggests that research examine how curricular change can be accomplished over time and across programs, as well as what cultural considerations affect the effort. Details problem-based learning changes instituted at Samford…

Collaborative Learning (CL) is a form of instruction in which small groups of students work together on tasks utilizing set structures and specific time limits that are controlled by the teacher. At Erie Community College (ECC) in Buffalo, New York, several structured activities for CL have been developed for use in the classroom. In the…

Analyzes two limitations associated with cooperative learning: how to evaluate the teamwork skills that students demonstrate during group work, and how to provide tasks that enable students to practice these teamwork skills. Discusses a new model of learning and instruction called Collaboration-Integration Theory (CIT), which ensures that students…

For educators to effectively meet the needs of at-risk nontraditional college students, they must quickly identify such students, utilize the best available teaching techniques, and work to guarantee student retention. Swift identification of potential at-risk students depends on educators' awareness of common indicators, such as the student…