Learning Resources

Abstract: Book Review: Managing Diversity: People Skills for a Multicultural Workplac, by Norma Carr-Ruffino. Thomas Executive Press, 1996. 559 pages. ISBN 0-538-84456-6.

Abstract: Have institutions neglected a fruitful way to implement their plans for change? Subtitles: From little acorns...; Factors to remember; Multiplying the transformers. Pull quotes: "Planning theory teaches one thing, life another." "Each little problem should be seen as an opportunity to introduce new ideas and practices." "Planning may be relying too heavily on top leadership and budgeting incentives." "Implementation happens in the trenches." "We often don't allow ourselves time to think."

Abstract: Book Review: The executive Architect: Transforming Designers into Leaders, by John Harrigan, and Paul Neel. John WIley, 1996. 336 pages. ISbn 0-471-11352-2

Abstract: Book Review: Talking About Leaving: Why Undergraduates Leave the Sicences, by Elaine Seymour and Nancy Hewitt. Westview Press, 1997. 429 pages. ISBN 0-8133-8926-7.

Abstract: Book Review: Generation X goes to College: An Eye-Opening Accout of TEaching in Postmodern America, by Peter Sacks, Open COurt Publishing Company, 1996. 201 pages. ISBN 0-8126-9314-0

Abstract: Viewpoint Subtitles: Overcoming the neglect; Reconnecting with planning and policy. Pull quotes: "What accounts for the gulf between higher education research and worlds of policy, planning, and practice?" "Substantial work awaits us in examining the relation between technology and learning outcomes." "Attitudes, values, reward systems, and even philosophies will have to change." "It is time to do something.."

Abstract: Contends that many planning efforts are unsuccessful because they fail to account for luck, chance, idiosyncrasies, or unplanned conflict. In short, human behavior is unpredictable, and too many plans demand that it be orderly and rational. However, the author asserts that an understanding of chaos theory as applied to human behavior may help planners improve the success rates when attempting to implement strategic change. Keeping this theory in mind, plans should be: short-term and flexible; multifaceted and interactive; sensitive to organizational goals and motivators; and able to receive and interpret feedback appropriately.

Abstract: Book review: Bonfire of the Humanities: Television, Subliteracy, and Long-Term Memory Loss, by David Marc, Syracuse University Press, 1995. 158 pages. ISBN 0-8156-0321-5.

Abstract: Maintains that the multifaceted missions of community colleges are increasingly under pressure to take on an additional primary mission: helping to rebuild their communities. In time, community colleges may evolve into something more like community service centers – an evolution already well underway at many institutions. In particular, three broad categories of initiatives undertake by the typical community college are explored: community-based education, collaborations with other local institutions; and community services. To address the expanding needs of their neighborhoods, community college may need to become more research-oriented, and increasingly take on the role of community facilitator as well as educator.