Developmental Education Courses

The Developmental Education program at the Community College of Baltimore County offers courses in reading, English, mathematics, and student success on each campus to help learners attain the skills they need to perform successfully in college level courses.

Developmental Course Delivery Systems

At CCBC, we realize that students come to us with a variety of learning styles and preferences. While some learners prefer to work individually in a self-paced course, others prefer a more structured group lecture or discussion format. Some learners appreciate courses which meet over a long period of time, with relatively short class sessions, while other learners prefer a condensed course structure where they can complete courses in a shorter number of weeks. Some students find it difficult to attend class regularly and would prefer to take distance courses using their computers. Some learners like to get to know their classmates and, therefore, like to attend several classes together with the same classmates. All of these options are possible at CCBC. Our motto is "Any place, Any time, Any way." These options are specified in the class schedule book.

Descriptions

Self-paced: Students independently work through a series of mini-instructional units and take individualized tests as they complete each unit. The instructional units may be computer-assisted instruction. Courses may be completed in a shorter period of time, depending on the participation and learning rate of the student.

• Requires self-motivation and good organizational skills
• Recommended for visual learners
• Recommended for independent learners

Computer-assisted: Students complete some or all of class work on computers in the classroom.

• Requires self-motivation
• Recommended for students with basic computer skills
• Recommended for independent learners
• Recommended for visual learners

Lecture/discussion: Students meet as an entire class, listen to lectures, and participate in discussion. Instructor may also use cooperative learning techniques in which students work in small groups.

• Requires ability to participate in class
• Recommended for students who need external structure
• Recommended for auditory learners
• Recommended for social learners

Learning Communities: The Developmental Learning Communities Program pairs developmental courses with general education courses. The same students are in both courses. Students use the the text from the general education course as a foundation for their developmental instruction. In many communities, students attend a one hour a week seminar to discuss approaches to learning the material in the credit course. These sessions provide guidance in the skills and behaviors needed to be successful in the course. The seminar is conducted by a Master Learner, a faculty member from another discipline who sits in on the course.

• Requires ability to participate
• Recommended for social learners
• Appropriate for all learners

On-Line: Students do their class work on-line, including reading instructional materials, posting homework, participating in on-line discussions, and in most cases taking quizzes and tests. Students must be familiar with WebCt and have access to a computer. Students should participate in orientation to on-line learning. Information can be found at the following site: http://www.ccbcmd.edu/onlinecoursehelp/new1.html

• Requires good reading skills and attention to detail
• Recommended for independent, self-motivated learners

Accelerated Learning Program: The Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) is designed to improve the percentage of ENG 052 students who pass ENG 052 and ENG 101. Under ALP, students whose placement is ENG 052 enroll in designated sections of ENG 101. These sections will be composed of 8 ALP students and 12 students whose placement is ENG 101. In addition, the same 8 ALP students will be enrolled in a designated section of ENG 052 taught by the same instructor, which we call a companion course. See Accelerated Learning Plan.

• Requires ability to participate
• Recommended for social learners
• Appropriate for all learners