Structured Groups for Non-Traditional College Students is the first book to use a group approach on improving student performance. This book is based on repeated, empirical studies of different programs and services. It proposes using a group approach, the Excellent Commitment and Effective Learning (ExCEL) group, with non-cognitive strategies to enhance student development. Specifically, the group aims to assist students in adjustment to the college environment and enhancement of their academic performance and to increase student retention. This book is designed to inform higher education professionals. In particular, those who work with first-year university students during orientation, academic advising, first-year programs/classes, and housing will find the group-based design innovative. The book covers: the challenges facing university freshman, case studies from universities, guidelines for developing the group, evaluation for group outcomes, and implications for future development of support programs in higher education, among many other topics.

The first "how to" manual for online teaching in the helping professions. This is the first hands-on guide to address the unique challenges of educators in the helping professions who have minimal or no experience with online technologies. Written for online instructors, clinical faculty, program directors, administrators, and other educators, it describes practical and effective ways to teach material that is intrinsically based on face-to-face interaction through mediated means. Grounded in research and the expertise of authors with years of online teaching experience, the book moves from the basics of online course delivery to more complex arenas such as preparing both instructors and students to effectively transition to online learning. The book examines a variety of online designs uniquely suited to courses in the helping professions, including such platforms as Blackboard Collaborate, Blackboard Vista, and Moodle. Moving beyond lecture-level education, the text discusses online supervision of students who are beginning field and clinical experiences, as well as ethical considerations when teaching and supervising online. Replete with abundant tips, reflective questions, checklists, timelines, and vignettes, the text also includes an entire chapter devoted to overcoming fears of the online environment for both instructor and student. Key Features: Addresses the unique needs and concerns of online teaching and training in the helping professions Provides examples of course content at multiple levels and practice settings Includes practical tips, reflective questions, checklists, course design timelines, and vignettes to support the reader at all stages of teaching online Defines key terms and definitions Considers common pitfalls to avoid