Courses in College

Be inspired by the gamut of community college courses, from the arts to technical training. This section will cover everything from remedial classes to continuing education. Community colleges offer courses for youth and teens, individuals looking for a new hobby or skill, or those behind bars looking for a second chance.

View the most popular articles in Courses in College:

Too Many Students Placed in Remedial Courses? Studies Say Yes

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Too Many Students Placed in Remedial Courses? Studies Say Yes
Two recent studies have found thousands of students may be placed in remedial community college courses that don’t really need them. Are you one of these students?

New studies on incoming community college students found that as many as one-quarter of all students entering schools may be assigned to remedial courses they don’t really need. The studies, conducted by the Community College Research Center at Columbia University, discovered that although students are assigned to these remedial courses based on placement test scores, many would have been able to earn a “B” or better heading directly into college courses. The findings are significant because the large majority of students who take a remedial course in community college do not end up finishing their program and earning their degree.

About the Placement Tests

Many community colleges require incoming students to take placement exams before they can register for courses. The purpose of the examinations is to identify students who might need remedial help to ensure their success in college-level courses. The most common tests used by schools today are the ACT’s Compass or the College Board’s Accuplacer. Tests are designed to show academic deficiencies so students can be brought up to par before they are introduced to the rigors of a college curriculum.

However, the New York Times reports that while examinations have been used extensively since the 1980s, students often do not realize the importance of the scores they earn. Students are rarely encouraged to prepare for these examinations like they would for the ACT or SAT. Some students are told not to worry about the tests because they are simply

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Youth on Campus: How Young is Too Young for Community College?

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Youth on Campus: How Young is Too Young for Community College?
Can pre-teens enroll in community college? A 12-year-old in Florida recently went to court when the local community college wouldn’t allow her to dual-enroll because she was too young. In California, a child prodigy is about to graduate from UCLA after starting at community college at the age of eight.

According to the American Association of Community Colleges, the average age for a student at a two-year institution is 29. But what about those who fall well outside of that average? While most would agree that you are never too old to learn something new, some youngsters trying to move up the academic ladder have faced major hurdles. Others have persevered, proving that higher learning is advantageous for students of all ages.

12-Year-Old Denied College Access in Florida

Issues regarding young students have plagued colleges for some time, but one recent report that made national headlines was that of Anastasia Megan of Center Hill, Florida. At the age of 12, Anastasia, or “Annie” as she is called by friends and family, was more than ready for the academic rigors of college. She had completed most of her secondary work through homeschooling and had aced three college placement tests when she applied for enrollment at Lake-Sumter Community College.

The college, however, didn’t see things quite that way. According to a report in the Orlando Sentinel, instead of the school readily admitting the young woman, they set up multiple roadblocks to keep her off the college campus. First, the college voiced concern about Megan’s social maturity and then worried about her physical safety on a campus filled with older students. Next, the school required one of Megan’s parents to attend class with her and then decided a parent wouldn’t be allowed into the classroom.

Complaint filed

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Performing Arts: Music and Theater Programs

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Performing Arts: Music and Theater Programs
Community colleges offer a wide variety of music and theatre programs. Whether you are building your career foundation or exploring the performing arts, consider all the available resources.

A potential college student interested in pursuing the performing arts as a career or hobby may not look to a community college as their first choice in realizing that dream. However, many community colleges nationwide offer state-of-the-art facilities and first-class instructors in theatre and music today. Whether you are looking for a college major program or simply a place to ham it up onstage after class time, a community college might be the perfect place to explore your creative side.

The Benefits of Music in Higher Education

Music is a beneficial component to add to the higher education experience, whether it is a major course of study or something to enjoy on the side. According to Tarpley Music, some of the benefits of music in education at any level include:

  • Social Benefits – Studies show that students who participate in some sort of music program while in school have a lower incidence of drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse.
  • Scholastic Benefits – Music students also tend to score higher on standardized examinations, whether in primary, secondary or post-secondary schools. They also earn more “A’s” and “B’s” in their coursework than students who are not in music.
  • Behavioral Benefits – Research from the National Data Resource Center shows that students in music programs are less likely to be classified as “disruptive” in school
  • Intellectual Benefits – One study suggested that music training is superior to computer training in enhancing abstract reasoning skills used in math
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New Survey Shows Community College Students Feel Unprepared for the Rigors of Higher Education

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New Survey Shows Community College Students Feel Unprepared for the Rigors of Higher Education
Are you ready for community college? If your answer is no, then you are not alone. Learn about the second annual Pearson Foundation Community College survey that shows many high school graduates do not feel prepared for college-level work.

Despite the fact that community colleges are seeing higher levels of enrollment than ever before, not all these new students of higher education are getting the type of college experience for which they were hoping. According to a new survey conducted by Pearson Foundation and Harris Interactive, many community college students feel unprepared for the rigors of college coursework. Students are also getting shut out of classes at many schools, leaving many waiting much longer than two years to complete their degree and certification programs.

The recent survey was conducted online by Harris Interactive on behalf of Pearson Foundation in August and September, 2011. The survey polled 1,205 community college students on various issues regarding school, including ease of getting necessary courses and the level of difficult of college-level coursework compared to high school classes. The results of the survey have been published at the websites for both Pearson Foundation and Harris Interactive. A number of news sources have reported on the findings as well.

Preparation Lacking for Students Entering Community College

According to the Harris Interactive website, the survey found that more than half (52%) of all community college students felt unprepared for college-level coursework. Many felt their high schools did not adequately prepare them for higher education by placing a higher emphasis on basic skills, offering more courses and placing a greater challenge into courses that were offered.

Amy Evans, a spokeswoman for Cisco College in Texas, told the Abilene Reporter-News

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Late Night Education: More Midnight Classes Coming to Community Colleges

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Late Night Education: More Midnight Classes Coming to Community Colleges
Even more midnight classes are launching at community college campuses across the country this year, in hopes of working around the demanding schedules of their students.
More late night classes are coming to community colleges.

The famous “all-nighter” has been a mainstay at colleges for generations, particularly during midterms and finals weeks, when students are cramming for exams. However, some community colleges across the country are now taking this popular college term to a whole new level. Instead of poring over books and lecture notes in the privacy of their bedrooms or dormitories, students are now hitting the road – and the books – to attend community college classes in the wee hours of the night. So who attends midnight classes and what is the point of offering them? While we reported on the midnight-class phenomenon in 2009, we’ll take a closer look at how this trend has grown even more in the last two years.

This video shows one person's experience with night classes.

Meeting Needs – and a Growing Demand – Head-On

Most community colleges across the country have seen enrollments grow by exponential numbers since the economy went south and more displaced workers began showing up on campus. The higher enrollment numbers have been difficult for some schools to accommodate, particularly in light of budget cuts that have also been a byproduct of a sluggish economy. The unfortunate result has been that many community colleges are forced to turn students away – an action these schools vehemently oppose. To help alleviate the problem, some schools are turning to unconventional approaches to

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Courses in College

REMEDIAL EDUCATION
60% of community college students need remedial courses. This section covers the classes and new developments to help students who need remedial coursework. Learn why the gap exists, how schools are combatting it and what you can do to avoid remedial classes. Get tips on mastering college math, learn what you can do to prevent repeating a class and hear what the experts have to say about remedial class placement.
Too Many Students Placed in Remedial Courses? Studies Say Yes
Too Many Students Placed in Remedial Courses? Studies Say Yes
Mastering Math: A Guide to Passing Your Community College Math Requirements
Mastering Math: A Guide to Passing Your Community College Math Requirements
Why Do 60% of Community College Students Need Remedial Coursework?
Why Do 60% of Community College Students Need Remedial Coursework?
SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES
Local business are taking advantage of special training programs at community colleges. From OSHA training to a collaboration with Goldman Sachs, community colleges are training employees for small and large businesses across the country.
Calling All Entrepreneurs!  How Community Colleges Can Help You Start Your Business
Calling All Entrepreneurs! How Community Colleges Can Help You Start Your Business
OSHA Training at Community College: Making Workplace Safety Easier
OSHA Training at Community College: Making Workplace Safety Easier
Fast Track Job Training Offered to Displaced Workers through Philadelphia Community Colleges
Fast Track Job Training Offered to Displaced Workers through Philadelphia Community Colleges
FUN & ELECTIVE CLASSES
Community colleges offer a gamut of fun and interesting classes, and we give ideas that may strike inspiration for your elective choices. Learn homesteading skills, study paranormal investigating, or earn a scuba diving certificate all at a community college near you. This sections identifies some of the fun non-credit courses available at your local campus.
Studying Ghosts: Paranormal Investigation Courses at Community College
Studying Ghosts: Paranormal Investigation Courses at Community College
Learn Homesteading Skills at Your Local Community College
Learn Homesteading Skills at Your Local Community College
Choosing Electives for a Rounded Education
Choosing Electives for a Rounded Education
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Community colleges are filled with continuing education opportunities. Whether you are looking for a resume booster, new skills to earn a promotion or want to earn your degree while incarcerated, community college may be a good choice for you.
Retraining at Community Colleges: A Status Update
Retraining at Community Colleges: A Status Update
Should an Islam Class be Taught by an Islamophobe?
Should an Islam Class be Taught by an Islamophobe?