Browsing by Subject "higher and postsecondary education"

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Academic and personal growth by PAL participants
(New York College Learning Skills Association, 2014) Arendale, David R.; Hane, Amanda, R.
This qualitative study focused on observed and perceived changes in academic and personal attitudes and behaviors by student participants in the Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) program at the University of Minnesota (UMN). The PAL model employs best practices from national peer learning models including Supplemental Instruction, Peer-led Team Learning, and Emerging Scholars Program. The PAL program provides regularly-scheduled study review sessions weekly to support students achieve higher final course grades and persistence rates. In most uses of the PAL model at UMN, participation is mandatory. Arthur Chickering’s Comprehensive Theory of Personal Change was used to analyze the data. Data were gathered by the PAL study group facilitators of observed or perceived changes of attitudes and behaviors by the participating students. Four themes emerged: higher academic engagement, higher confidence, increased interpersonal skills, and improved critical thinking skills. Higher engagement with the learning process was manifested through PAL participants talking more, displaying more comfort while speaking, and asking questions of the PAL facilitators and others in the group. Increased confidence was evidenced by reduction of frustration and fear and replaced with the display of new cognitive and metacognitive thinking, expressions of self-confidence in the ability to solve problems, and learn new academic content independently. Increased interpersonal skills were higher within the study group, helping others during small group activities and within the large group discussions, making friends with the participating students and the facilitator, and actively working with fellow students to solve problems rather than preferring self-reliance and working alone. The final theme of improved critical thinking was displayed by an increased ability to understand and explain the reasoning behind concepts. Several recommendations are offered: how study group programs could foster the academic and personal growth of study group participants and areas for further research.
Academic bridge programs
(Routledge, 2018) Arendale, David R.; Lee, Nue Lor
Bridge programs ease the transition of students from secondary education to postsecondary institutions. They are customized to assist a particular subpopulation of students to be successful. They were originally created for students with high rates of academic difficulty and withdrawal than the general student population. Then, the focus of most bridge programs was academic preparation for increased academic rigor of college. In recent years, a variety of purposes have been added: meet the needs of culturally diverse students who are underrepresented in college, increase student success in particular college degree programs, and increase the number of students who aspire and are prepared for college. Bridge programs range from an intensive program of coordinated courses and noncredit learning experiences to a single academic term course or a workshop lasting a day or two.
Adaptability and flexibility when conducting and planning peer study group review sessions
(National College Learning Center Association, 2016) Arendale, David R.; Hane, Amanda, R.
This examination of the University of Minnesota Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) program identified five themes of choices made by student leaders during and in preparation for study group review sessions: (a) redefined facilitator role beyond initial training, (b) assessed students to adapt the sessions, (c) adapted sessions to address knowledge or skill deficits of students, (d) empowered student participants to take more regulation of sessions, and (e) engaged in trial and error to add new approaches to sessions. These findings encourage a deeper understanding of beliefs, choices, and professional identity formation of peer study group review leaders. Understanding more deeply the complex process that facilitators employ to prepare for and adapt during study review sessions can guide training practices to increase their effectiveness with improving student grades in historically difficult courses.
Changing trends for administrative location of developmental education with an institution: A pilot study of NADE members
(Center for Research on Developmental Education and Urban Literacy, General College, University of Minnesota, 2005) Arendale, David R.
With this limited pilot study, conclusions about the data are carefully restrained. However, a couple of interesting observations can be made. Not surprisingly, the most common name of the departmental unit for NADE members is developmental education. The surprise was observing that the regular academic departments of mathematics, English, and humanities occur with such a high frequency. Boylan (2002) indicated that some shifting away from centralized developmental education units may be occurring. This preliminary study seems to confirm that among the top ten departmental names that NADE members receive their mail, only two have the words developmental education explicitly listed in their titles. It appears that centralized developmental education administrative units are becoming rare. As a pilot study, it suggests that further investigation is warranted. Some possible directions could be a more careful analysis of the original data set. Similar studies could be conducted with other professional associations in the field (e.g., College Reading and Learning Association, National College Learning Center Association). Follow-up interviews with a stratified sample of members could probe for the historic choices made concerning departmental names and whether changes have occurred in the intervening years.
Collaboration and partnership: Within and between disciplines, programs, and institutions
(Center for Research on Developmental Education and Urban Literacy, General College, University of Minnesota, 2000) Arendale, David R.; Barefoot, Betsy; Eaton, Shevawn; Levin, Henry; Lundell, Dana B
The key questions in this group focused on two basic issues: (a) Is collaboration important?, and (b) Why is it important to developmental education? A primary assumption is generally held that collaboration is a positive framework for educators. This standpoint has also been applied to research, teaching, and practice in developmental education. Within the next ten years, the issue of creating partnerships and coalitions is projected to increase as a primary educational and social agenda, specifically as national demographics have changed and as our society requires an increasingly educated, expanded, and specialized work force (Carnoy, 1997). It is within this changing social context that we must begin to consider the conditions and circumstances in which collaboration will be important for developmental educators.
Compensatory education definition
(Sage Publications, 2008) Arendale, David R.
During the 1960s a new approach called compensatory education was created to support access for academically underprepared and economically disadvantaged students. Compensatory education focuses on the individual student and the living and learning environment in which the student interacts. Proponents of this approach charge that environmental conditions, often induced by poverty, are responsible for poor academic achievement of students. Common activities of this approach include: academic preparatory work, supplemental learning enrichment activities, higher parental involvement in school, and systemic changes in the school learning environment. During the early 1960s, national civil rights legislation established the Office of Compensatory Education within the U.S. Office of Education.
Course-based Learning Assistance Programs
(H&H Publishing, 2009) Arendale, David R.
Collectively, the Guides are a multi-purpose tool that may be applied to a variety of situations and settings with varying levels of intensity to assist academic support professionals in achieving their ultimate goal of increasing student success. The Guides should never be used to judge programs or practitioners critically. This guide is focused on course-based learning assistance. These approaches include Supplemental Instruction, Peer-led Team Learning, Emerging Scholars Program, and Structured Learning Assistance. These guides are generic and could be applicable to a wide range of postsecondary peer cooperative learning programs.
Creating a new vision for the future: A report from the Blue Ribbon Commission
(American Council of Developmental Education Associations, 2006) Arendale, David R.; Boylan, Hunter R.; Bonham, Barbara; Borstein, Nancy; Carpenter, Kathy; Chambers, Michael; Drewes, S; Dvorak, Johanna; Harris, Jackie; Lusk, S; McGrath, Jane; Muse, V; Nikopoulos, B; Norton, Jan; Symons, L; Valkenberg, Jim; Williams, L
Many opportunities have been presented to coordinate, collaborate, and to create new activities, services, and structures to better meet the needs of current and potential members. Rather than attempting to evaluate the merits of each of these three avenues in this report, the goal is foster an informed conversation about the future. The choices made by the organizations may include a combination of activities among these three categories. The critical next step is for a wider conversation among members of the organizations to take place concerning the future of the profession.
David Arendale’s 2017 Guide to iPad Apps
(Department of Curriculum and Instruction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN., 2017) Arendale, David R.
This document provides an overview of the iPads apps I have found useful as an educator and in my personal life. Most of the apps were free, some cost a dollar or two. Only a few cost $9.99. Many thanks to my colleagues in my home academic department of Curriculum & Instruction as well as the College of Education and Human Development staff within the Office of Information Technology at the University of Minnesota. I received good recommendations from them reflected in this document.
David Arendale’s guide to Apple TV apps
(Department of Curriculum and Instruction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 2017) Arendale, David R.
This document provides an overview of the Apple TV apps I have found useful as a college educator and in my personal life. I enjoy Apple TV since I am able to watch on a large-screen with a great sound system the same content that used to be confined to my iPhone, laptop, or desktop computer. There is enough free content available through Apple TV that I could cancel my cable TV subscription. I will be interested to see the bundle of cable channels that will be eventually available for a monthly charge from Apple. At the University of Minnesota where I am a history professor, the Apple TV device has been integrated into a growing number of classrooms so that students can share video content through the room projection television system. First-year students in the College of Education and Human Development receive an iPad upon arrival and use of it is integrated into many of their first-year courses. I use the history apps to help me connect today’s events with the history topics we are studying in class.
Developmental education history: Reoccurring trends and future opportunities
(Ohio Association of Developmental Education, 2006) Arendale, David R.
It is important to understand the reoccurring trends that have influenced the history of developmental education and learning assistance. This knowledge can guide educators in this field to make wise personal and professional choices. After an overview of the early history of developmental education, reoccurring trends were identified, and recommendations provided
The developmental education model in the United Kingdom: Access programs
(Center for Research on Developmental Education and Urban Literacy, General College, University of Minnesota, 2006) Arendale, David R.
A review of programs with similarities to developmental education in the U.K. provides a different perspective which they call access programs. Higher education in the U.K. is coordinated, funded, and evaluated by the national government. Two organizations that are resources in the field of access programs are the European Access Network (2004) and the Institute for Access Studies (2003). Rather than using the U.S. term of developmental education, the U.K. approach of access program focuses on widening participation in higher education by historically-underrepresented student groups. In addition to similar concern for academically-underprepared students, the U.K. access program scope includes older students, students returning to education, displaced workers, and other demographic groups who whom college has not been common.
Directory of academic interventions and learning enrichment activities.
(Department of Postsecondary Teaching and Learning, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 2006) Arendale, David R.
Selecting the appropriate academic intervention or making a change in institutional policies is contingent upon many factors. What is the unique academic and culture issues at the institution and which academic intervention is best fitted to meet those needs? Is there clear evidence that the intervention will contribute to higher academic achievement at a particular institution as opposed to its past success as the institution where it was first developed? What is the capacity of the institution to implement the intervention or policy regarding administrative support, faculty support, skill level of the intervention program, and the cost to implement and continue the program?
Effect of administrative placement and fidelity of implementation of the model on effectiveness of Supplemental Instruction programs
(University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2001) Arendale, David R.
This research investigated variables that may influence the effectiveness of the Supplemental Instruction learning assistance and enrichment program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and other U.S. postsecondary institutions. Study number one analyzed variables related to academic performance of University of Missouri-Kansas City students (mean final course grades, the rate of course withdrawal, and rate of persistence). Study number two investigated variables at 735 U.S. postsecondary institutions related to the academic performance of students and satisfaction level with the campus Supplemental Instruction program. Independent variables included: administrative placement of the SI program unit (academic affairs, student affairs, or other), age of the SI program, fidelity of the program to SI program activity constructs (SI Supervisor involvement, SI Leader involvement, SI Leader training, institutional involvement), and four dependent variables (mean final course grades, mean percent of D and F final course grades and course withdrawals, mean percentage of students who participate in the program, and satisfaction level with the program). Besides the quantitative studies, an extensive review of the literature regarding the history of developmental education and learning assistance programs in the United States produced six discernable historical phases. Supplemental Instruction was placed within this social context in American history. The appendix includes an extensive annotated bibliography of 450 publications and other media types published by authors worldwide related to Supplemental Instruction. Study number one found a positive correlation between higher academic achievement and persistence rates with the independent variables of SI attendance and measures of precollegiate academic achievement. The entire known population of 735 Supplemental Instruction programs within the United States was selected for study number two. There were statistically significant positive correlations with three of the four program activity constructs (SI Supervisor Involvement, SI Leader Involvement, and SI Leader training) and the effectiveness of the program regarding improved student outcomes and higher satisfaction ratings by the campus administrators who supervised the program. There were no statistically significant differences between the different program administrative placement locations and the dependent variables. Implications from this research include identification of key activities within the program that should be observed to maximize program effectiveness for the institution and participating students.
Enhancing credibility, gaining recognition, and eliminating any stigmas associated with developmental education
(Center for Research on Developmental Education and Urban Literacy, General College, University of Minnesota, 2000) Arendale, David R.; Barefoot, Betsy; O'Hear, Michael; Thomas, P; Williams, L
One distinct obstacle faced by most developmental educators is the ongoing challenge made from a variety of sources about the credibility of this work in higher education. Despite strong histories and demonstrations of success by many programs, we continue to deal with the negative stereotypes and stigma related to our students, our mission, and the appropriateness of our role in institutions of higher education. Additionally, these issues of credibility are fueled by very real and complex circumstances—reports on student retention, achievement on standardized testing, and a changing society in terms of workforce needs and social demographics. It is important to work toward increasing the recognition of positive work being done in developmental education, particularly that which eliminates stigmas and stereotypes informing many of the attitudes that can be counterproductive and misleading.
Enhancing student access and retention
(Center for Research on Developmental Education and Urban Literacy, General College, University of Minnesota, 2000) Arendale, David R.; Casazza, Martha; Highbee, Jeanne L; Stahl, Norm
The goals of developmental education include promoting educational opportunity through efforts that enhance both access and retention. Although the measures taken and the issues related to access and retention may overlap, they are not synonymous and must be addressed separately. Defining access is more complicated than it might appear. Traditionally, access has been viewed as opening the door to postsecondary education. With the proliferation of public community colleges and technical institutions in many states, some educators and legislators alike have assumed that the problem of access has been addressed because relatively low-cost programs are available to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. However, numerous other issues related to access are overlooked.
EOA best practices clearinghouse directory 2018 (4th ed.).
(Educational Opportunity Association and the University of Minnesota, 2018) Arendale, David R.
(Purpose) The purpose of this directory was to identify, describe, and evaluate evidence that the education practices improve academic performance, close the achievement gap, and improve persistence towards graduation for low-income, first-generation, and historically-underrepresented 6th grade through college students. (Method) The sample for the directory was derived from TRIO and GEAR UP professionals located in the upper Midwest region that are affiliated with the Educational Opportunity Association (EOA). EOA and the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Minnesota created a clearinghouse to disseminate evidence-based practical activities and approaches to improve success of students who are low-income, first-generation, and historically-underrepresented in education. The administrative and education best practices in this publication have been reviewed and approved by multiple members of an external expert panel of qualified reviewers. Each practice has been approved as promising, validated, or exemplary based on the level of evidence supporting it. The rigorous standards applied during the review process are similar to previous national evaluation efforts by the U.S. Department of Education (Results) The approved education practices of this 353 page directory represent each of the five major federally-funded TRIO and GEAR UP programs: (a) Educational Talent Search, “Emergency Field Trip Contingency Plan”, “Program Policies and Procedures Handbook”, “Peer Coaching Handbook”, “Academic Improvement Plan”, “Middle School Summer Curriculum”, (b) Upward Bound, “Upward Bound Senior College Exploration”, “Study Hall Days at a College Campus”, “Podcasting Academic and Career Counseling”, “Academic Advising Management System”, and “Planning Effective Campus Visits”; (c) Educational Opportunity Centers, “Coaching TRIO Students”, “Right Start to College Seminar for Adults”, and “Post service Assessment Tool”; (d) Disability Services, “Access College Today Program”; (e) Student Support Services, “Creating Global Experiences for College Students”, “Advising Syllabus”, “Integrated Approach to the First Year Experience”, “Horizons Study Abroad Experience”, “Procedures for a Study Abroad Program”, “Evaluation Tools for a Study Abroad Program”, “Integrated Learning Course”, “Tutoring for Students with Disabilities”, and “Tutor Training and Professional Development”; (f) Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement, “McWrite: Developing Scholarly Writing Skills”; and (g) GEAR UP, “High School Financial Literacy Curriculum”. (Implications) Rather than looking to others for solutions, the federally-funded TRIO and GEAR-UP grant programs have the expertise needed to solve vexing problems with student success. These programs are incubators of best education practices that can be implemented elsewhere. Detailed information is provided about the education practice purposes, educational theories that guide it, curriculum outlines, resources needed for implementation, evaluation process, and contact information. Educators need to investigate these education practices to discover effective learning practices that can be adapted and adopted for use in supporting higher student achievement, closing the achievement gap, increasing persistence to graduation, and meeting the needs of culturally-diverse and historically-underrepresented students. (Additional Materials) Appended to the directory are: (1) Profiles of TRIO and GEAR UP Programs with Best Practices; (2) EOA Clearinghouse External Expert Panelists; and (3) Procedures for Evaluation of Submissions to the EOA Clearinghouse.
EOA national best practices directory 2017 (3rd ed.)
(Educational Opportunity Association, 2017) Arendale, David R.
The EOA National Best Practice Center identifies, validates, and disseminates practical activities and approaches to improve success of students who are low-income, first-generation, and historically underrepresented in education. Rather than looking to others for solutions, the federally funded TRIO and GEAR-UP grant programs have the expertise needed. The key is sharing it more widely and comprehensively with each other. The co-sponsors for the Center are EOA and the University of Minnesota. The administrative and education best practices in this publication have been reviewed and approved by multiple members of an external expert panel of qualified reviewers. Each practice has been approved as promising, validated, or exemplary based on the level of evidence supporting it. The rigorous standards applied during the review process are similar to previous national evaluation efforts by the U.S. Department of Education. More information about the rigorous standards and the external expert panel is contained in Appendix B of this publication. The practices approved thus far by the EOA Center represent each of the five major TRIO grant programs: Educational Talent Search, Upward Bound, Educational Opportunity Centers, Student Support Services, and the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Programs. One practice is from a GEAR UP program. For readers unfamiliar with TRIO programs, a short history is provided on the following pages. While the education practices come from TRIO programs, they could be adapted for use with nearly any student academic support and student development program. TRIO and GEAR UP programs are incubators of best practices to serve the needs of historically underrepresented students and the general student population. Readers can use this publication as a guide for implementing the education practices contained within it. Detailed information about the education practices purposes, educational theories that guide the practice, curriculum outlines, resources needed for implementation, evaluation process, and contact information are provided by the submitters of the practice who have practical experience implementing the practices. You are encouraged to contact them for additional information.
Fostering multi-cultural education with a learning assistance model that works: Supplemental Instruction
(1993) Arendale, David R.
Through all the institution's process and products, multicultural education stresses respect for and understanding of cultural diversity and individual uniqueness. Multicultural education is not a supplementary area, rather, it is a process and philosophy with ideas that are broad and integrative. However, some see that patterns of resegregation have returned to some elementary and secondary schools since academic ability groupings often result in the separation of students by race and class (Edwards, 1991). It is difficult to promote multicultural education if the students are separated. Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a collaborative learning strategy that can help facilitate multicultural education as well as assist students in developing learning strategies that they can use to earn higher grades and persist longer in college.
Foundation and theoretical framework for Supplemental Instruction
(National Resource Center for The First Year Experience and Students in Transition, 1992) Martin, Deanna C; Arendale, David R.
It has been nearly two decades since Supplemental Instruction first appeared in higher education. After starting at the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1973, it has been implemented at a variety of institutions across the U.S. and around the world. Borrowing ideas from developmental psychology, SI has attempted to encourage students to become actively involved in their own learning. By integrating appropriate study skill with the review of the course content, students begin to understand how to use the learning strategies they have heard about from teachers and advisors. As new educational theories and practices have surfaced, the SI model has been adapted to incorporate the best in educational research. With the increasing diversity of today's college students and the advent of alternative admission programs, the student body is continuing its evolution into a heterogeneous group reflective of American society. The popular and professional literature often carries articles decrying the poor academic preparation level of students and/or poor quality of teaching by classroom professors. Few solutions have been offered that work. From our point of view, the matter is moot. Many professors have tenure and colleges need all the students that they can recruit. Rather than blaming either of the two parties, strategies must be developed that allow for students to succeed while ensuring that academic standards are maintained, if not strengthened. SI, as one component, can help contribute to an overall institutional plan for student success.

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