From the
Spring 1998 Edition

Contents

Volume 2, Number 1
Spring 1998


Virginia Currency, 1777

Developing Real World Simulations in Health Technology Math
--by Donna Jo (D.J.) Pruitt

Instructors at Southwest Virginia Community College believed that students in Math 126, Mathematics for Allied Health, needed more applied experiences in the classroom. Real-world simulations provided an avenue for active, contextual learning in what had been a traditional classroom.
The Virginia Plan for Dual Enrollment: A Historical Perspective
--by Rhonda K. Catron

Catron researches the history of the Virginia Plan for Dual Enrollment, tracing various rationales and identifying successes of and concerns with the current dual credit program.

Taking an Active Role in Learning History
--by Lynn Sims
By writing internal and external criticisms, engaging in research, and preparing oral histories, students take active roles in learning history and use primary sources, as would professional historians.

Student Should Spend Sufficient Time on Developmental Mathematics
-- by Pansy Waycaster

Based on comparisons of students' success rates in developmental math courses and results of a VCCS survey, math faculty at SWVCC increased the number of credit hours for developmental mathematics courses, allowing students more time to master fundamental concepts before enrolling in college-level math courses.
Selection and Integration of a Computer Simulation for Public Budgeting and Finance (PBS 116)
-- by Ed Banas, Jr.
Dr Banas developed a PBS 116-Public Budgeting and Finance course, integrating the use of SimCity Classic, computer simulation software, with traditional lecture, guest speakers, and collaborative learning activities. In this article, he explains the rationale for his course design and discusses the results of his first semester teaching PBS 116.
Tear Down Those Walls/Build a Bridge
-- by Linda Simmons
Simmons provides an overview of service learning: definitions, benefits, ways to maintain academic vigor, and grading principles. She also includes students' written comments and details on NVCC widespread use of service learning in 18 disciplines.
Using Service Learning in the Public Speaking Class
-- by Diane Ryan and D. Kirkland
Two public speaking instructors highlight their goals, assignments, and results of service learning in their classes.
Multimedia Tools for Teaching Economics
-- by Clara V. Pereira-Ford
Activities involving multimedia technology enhanced students' learning in and the instructor’s enthusiasm for economics courses.
Teaching History with Compressed Video: A Learning Experience
-- by David M. Shaheen
Based on his teaching experience and observations of students at a "distance" site during a history course taught by compressed video at two campuses of Germanna Community College, David Shaheen discusses problems, challenges, and possible approaches to using this medium.
Learning Developmental Psychology Through Films, Friends and Family
-- by Peggy Williams Petersen
A user-friendly manual designed to guide a student through Developmental Psychology as an independent study course was created as the result of a Professional Development grant. This article outlines in a step-by-step manner the process followed by the author to create the course and the manual. The article discusses all components of the course: the test, the films, and numerous examples of student-initiated activities. Finally, student evaluation of the course is mentioned, as are thoughts and potential revisions.
Priorities of Counseling Programs and Outcomes within the Virginia Community College System
-- by Susan E. Short
VCCS chief administrative officers and VCCS counseling personnel have different perceptions of the importance of counseling services related to recruitment and retention and of institutional priorities for counseling program outcomes.
Teaching Foreign Language to At-Risk Learners: A Challenge for the New Millennium
-- by Margarita E. Hodge
Today, more than ever before, at-risk learners are enrolling in the community college. We can better serve these LD and ADHD/ADD learners in the foreign language classroom by learning to identify them, defining their language-learning difficulties, and identifying types of appropriate intervention strategies.

From the System Office

Launched: Regional Centers for Teaching Excellence as part of the VCCS Professional Development Initiative
-- by Bemadette M. Black, Ed.D. Director of Professional Development, VCCS