Last summer, we worked together to create an alternative Basic Skills program based on new teaching strategies and methodologies. The program was piloted in the Fall of 1994 in two sections of RDG 091, three sections of ENG 071, and three sections of MAT 055. The focus was on individualized instruction, active learning, use of technology, and a more personalized, interactive environment among instructors and students. We wanted a program which would address the different levels of preparation and needs of our students. However, we also wanted a feeling of community among students and instructors.
Pacing is the first key to the program.
Instruction does not follow a syllabus with everyone working on the same thing. Instead, work is divided into modules. Students complete and finish the modules individually at their own pace. A pretest allows more advanced students to test out of a module. The second key is alternative means of learning.