Education Commons^™

First In College: A Qualitative Exploration Of Experiences Of First-Generation Students, Rebecca Evans, Don Stansberry, Kim E. Bullington, Dana Burnett

Inquiry: The Journal of the Virginia Community Colleges

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to investigate first-generation students’ perceptions of how their lived experiences have impacted their academic and non-academic success. We utilized focus groups consisting of first-generation students who attended a rural community college and a large, public, metropolitan, research university, and compared their lived experiences. Our findings confirmed some past research that found that a lack of social capital, academic preparation, financial resources, and family support challenge this population of students in their transition to college. However, some of our results contradict past findings which have concluded that part-time enrollment increases the risk of first-generation …

Do The Verb. Become The Noun: Writing Towards A New Identity, Mary K. Tedrow

Inquiry: The Journal of the Virginia Community Colleges

Abstract

The initial composition course in the community college has the potential to be a transformative space for the identity formation of adult learners towards the linguistic signifier of scholar. Freshman students of variable ages enter a new culture which demands the negotiation of an alternative academic language, an adaptation to the post-secondary culture, and the development of the critical thinking required for academic work. All of these factors can destabilize identity as students confront long-held beliefs and biases in their studies (Bartholomae, 1985; Tingle, 2004; Bracher, 2006). Students who are unable to adapt to the new environment are …

Teaching The Syllabus At The Community College, Yuemin He

Inquiry: The Journal of the Virginia Community Colleges

Reacting directly to the fact that even the best syllabus is worthless to the student who does not read it, this essay draws inspiration from research of the past decade, especially from the learning-focused syllabus concept that was introduced by three researchers at the University of Virginia, and uses a questionnaire to gauge our community college students’ needs. It suggests specific methods to build the bridge between course content instruction and syllabus teaching. Ultimately, it contributes to the discussion of several important syllabus-related questions: How can instructors use the syllabus as a pedagogical tool to build a strong student rapport? …

Preparing Students For Digital Era Careers, Melissa Stange

Inquiry: The Journal of the Virginia Community Colleges

This paper will discuss why technical skills alone will not be enough for students to have successful careers in the digital age. Much of their success will hinge on critical soft skills, such as adaptability, inner strength, holistic thinking, and a collaborative spirit. Examples will be provided for inclusion with a computer science program, but in a way that is easily adaptable to other disciplines.

Call For Papers

Inquiry: The Journal of the Virginia Community Colleges

No abstract provided.

Front Cover (Summer 2020), Rosemary Gallick

Inquiry: The Journal of the Virginia Community Colleges

The cover art is by Rosemary Gallick. This acrylic painting was created as a reflection on losing a dear colleague, friend, and well known national author who was part of the VCCS. When Bob Bausch passed last year, Rosemary wondered where his feisty energy had gone. "Spirits Rising" is a hopeful and uplifting artwork that transcends the physical world. Gallick believes that the artwork embraces the theme of New Horizons and visually imagines the possibilities.

Table Of Contents

Inquiry: The Journal of the Virginia Community Colleges

No abstract provided.

New Horizons Showcase

Inquiry: The Journal of the Virginia Community Colleges

No abstract provided.

Problem Based Learning: Connecting Sociocultural Theory With Service Learning And Reflection, Lauren K. Foster

Inquiry: The Journal of the Virginia Community Colleges

This presentation focuses on the aspects of problem-based learning within writing courses and the interconnectedness to sociocultural theory and its impacts on service learning and reflection. This presentation highlights service learning as an interactive learning tool for students to incorporate problem based learning and introduces reflection as a means of assessment. Through reflection of service learning students can understand the validity of sociocultural impacts within the world around them to help better prepare them to problem solve through writing applications. The goal then is to actively engage students on larger scale by introducing real-world problems and introducing cultural impacts.

Vol. 23 No. 1 (Full Issue)

Inquiry: The Journal of the Virginia Community Colleges

No abstract provided.

About The Artist

Inquiry: The Journal of the Virginia Community Colleges

No abstract provided.

Editor's Note, Thomas M. Geary

Inquiry: The Journal of the Virginia Community Colleges

No abstract provided.

Mathematics Corequisite Remediation And Direct Enrollment: Addressing Misconceptions And Concerns, Zachary Beamer

Inquiry: The Journal of the Virginia Community Colleges

In Fall 2020 the VCCS will begin implementing the Direct Enrollment Pilot, building upon lessons learned in prior reforms and successes of reforms in other states. In the new corequisite model of developmental education, students at the margins of college preparation are placed directly into college coursework with a supplemental support class. This Notes in Brief article summarizes some of the research behind the transition towards this model and the implications of this scholarship on current reform efforts. It directly addresses concerns regarding the move towards corequisite instruction and provides recommendations for how to implement reforms.

Review Of Flower Darby And James M. Lang’S Small Teaching Online: Applying Learning Science In Online Classes, Christian Aguiar

Inquiry: The Journal of the Virginia Community Colleges

In their 2019 book Small Teaching Online, Flower Darby and James M. Lang present a model for online instruction that uses what the authors call the “small teaching” approach, which posits that college faculty should look for small, high-impact changes they can make to their teaching practice in place of wholesale overhauls. The authors explore the unique challenges that online learners struggle with, from feeling disengaged to feeling overwhelmed by the demands of self-directed learning, then offer practical, sustainable solutions for each. Their text thus offers helpful teaching practices both for new online teachers and veterans.

Meeting Students Where They Are: Implementing Canvas For Successful Student Outreach, Matthew S. Helmandollar

Inquiry: The Journal of the Virginia Community Colleges

As a success coach, it can be challenging in identifying and referring students to the resources that can aid, and that can assist with each student’s success during their first year. It is vital to use modern technological resources that are available at no additional cost to institutions, and which students are currently using, to aid in consistency within the field of academic advising and coaching as it pertains to a student’s first year. It engages students to reach out to faculty mentors to provide a “holistic” approach to the student’s success on the campus and meets students where they …