Several arguments are made for changing the present system of grading in college. The arguments deal with: (1) the negative effect of grading on the teaching situation--the system is capricious and variable and encourages "grade grubbing"; (2) the lack of accuracy and uniformity of grades; (3) the effect of grading, as an enforcer of the…

Four books published about Harvard University that evoke clear images of what many people call the greatest institution of higher education in America are discussed. Two of the books congratulate, while two debunk. (MLW)

Provides results of an in-depth case analysis of Miami-Dade Community College, using the Roueche-Baker Community College Excellence Model. Focuses on situational leadership, systems for success, student-oriented teaching, student success, and institutional climate and culture. (AYC)

The purpose of this study was to explore what happened academically when a particular kind of student was placed into a particular environment. In general, it seems that homogeneous grouping of students in residence halls may have some positive effects and is worthy of further experimentation. (Author)

The experiences of a professor with a liberal arts background who began his teaching career at an open enrollment, working class, urban institution are described. Most of his students are commuters, hold down part-time or full-time jobs, and support families. (MLW)

A study of 42 Eastern Michigan University freshmen, both academically at risk (n=18) and of average ability, found that at-risk students had higher academic self-concepts than their average-ability counterparts, but the groups had similar educational and vocational aspirations. (MSE)

Using the college Classroom Environment Scales and controlling for differences in class size, a study found significant differences in college students' perceptions of their classroom social climates depending on institution type and academic discipline and that perceptions of environment differentially affected students' grades in each discipline…

A model to assess the relationships between student characteristics (especially student effort), perceived college environments, student behavior, and student achievement gains was evaluated through examination of responses of 2,271 students on the College Student Experiences Questionnaire. Academic and social effort expended were the principal…

To provide access to and retain both students of color and low-income students, community colleges must change to create environments in which all students can succeed. Change strategies must focus on the core mission of the institution and rely on data regarding the experiences of students at the institution. When student data are used to inform…

The purpose of the present study was to determine if differences in perception exist among subgroups of interest on a junior college campus. Perceptions are influenced by one's standing in the college structure. Academic status and success of students are particularly important variables to understand student perception. (Author)

This report describes a research project, developed by the American Council on Education, designed to study how students are affected by the colleges they attend. The survey instrument, a questionnaire, was administered to 185,848 first-time, full-time college students at 252 colleges and a sub-sample of these students for followup study purposes.…

This report focuses on the following aspects of transfer student concerns: articulation problems; social adjustment problems; and educational and occupational aspirations. Descriptions of some existing programs are presented and suggestions for locally initiated action research are cited. (CJ)

The College Student Experiences Questionnaire (CSEA) was used to estimate the impact of attending a historically Black college or university on social and academic outcomes in college. Findings extend previous research by suggesting attendance at a historically Black college significantly enhances academic and social growth of students. (Author)

Developmental mathematics students are generally students who are at risk of dropping out of school because of various factors. Many are nontraditional students who have jobs and families; others are traditional students who lack the skills needed to succeed in the college environment. Math anxiety, fear, and intimidation often affect…