Using circulation data to determine whether materials specifically acquired for the circulation collections of libraries at undergraduate institutions show heavy use, this study examined the first 3 years of shelf life of one year's book acquisitions at a small liberal arts college. Contrary to expectations of a high rate of use for newly acquired…

Discusses some of the reasons in favor of hiring non-Ph.D's to teach undergraduate engineering courses. Also presents results of a survey at the United States Merchant Marine Academy to determine student opinions on the importance of a doctorate to teaching. Results indicate non-Ph.D's earned a higher rating. (BC)

Argues that advances in Earth science call for their inclusion in Earth history. States that the focus should be on the planet and the process by which it reached its present state. Explains pre-solar and pre-lithospheric history, interacting spheres of influence, characteristics of eons and eras, and their transitions. (RT)

Discusses efforts by the National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis (NCGIA) to develop introductory college level courses in geographic information systems (GIS). Explores a year-long evaluation of the curriculum development project. Describes the objectives, components, and results of the evaluation. (SG)

A survey of applicants to a major state university investigated whether students who accept (n=461) and decline (n=488) admission offers have different ways of evaluating the admission process. Contrary to expectation, accepters did not rate all elements of the process higher than decliners. Blacks and whites also differed in their perceptions.…

Compares a content analysis of 60 college introductory psychology textbooks published or revised between 1969 and 1975 with another analysis of 52 texts published or revised between 1980 and 1989. Finds recent texts more voluminous and more comprehensive, yet more readable than their predecessors. (CFR)

Reports on a study of 110 students in advanced undergraduate psychology courses to assess their retrospective impressions about their introductory psychology course, current course selections and performance, and future academic plans. Finds that students who had participated in a science fair gave significantly higher ratings. (CFR)

The involvement of undergraduate science majors in publishable research is a vital aspect of their education. The special problems confronted by faculty doing and directing such research are formidable. Several of these problems (such as heavy teaching loads) and ways of attacking them are described. (JN)

Discusses recent approach at undergraduate engineering curriculum emphasizing bringing some engineering courses to freshman and sophomore levels. Summarizes several examples of the approach at various institutions throughout the country. (YP)

Reviews publications that examine the quality of American higher education and suggest methods for improving education at the baccalaureate level. The discussion covers the treatment of the role of college libraries in these reports, reactions of librarians to the reports, and the need for librarians to gain full participation in the education…

At Ohio State University, 81 dental hygiene students' attitudes toward homosexual and heterosexual patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or leukemia were assessed using ratings of prejudice, social interaction, and interpersonal interaction. Negative bias toward individuals with AIDS and unwillingness to engage in everyday…

Comparison of a 1980 survey of college students and a recent study of five colleges and universities suggests changes in student attitudes, including greater optimism, less selfishness, greater participation in social action. Evidence suggests a rise in volunteerism precedes a period of student activism. Implications for colleges and universities…

This paper addresses the issue of defining the concept of core curriculum by first examining some of the literature on the subject, discussing why there is resistance to defining "core," citing common uses for the term "core curriculum," and exploring the historical roots of core curriculum. Next, the paper describes eight…

This paper describes certain fundamental realities and choices that planners and teachers of core curricula at the college level must take into account in order to devise programs of quality and integrity. Six common sense realities and the choices they demand are presented and discussed. First, core programs must avoid reducing the teaching and…

A faculty committee was commissioned at Ohio State University's College of Social Work to study that College's grading practices. In fulfilling this charge a survey of the faculty was conducted and the results presented along with a review of useful literature on grading and recommendations for change. The survey of faculty used a questionnaire…