Both practical and irrational factors will substantially delay the widespread use of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in Australia's schools, including the following: lack of suitable software, insufficient hardware, ignorance of what CAI offers, lack of expert advice, computer anxiety, reaction against computer zealots, and resistance to…

It is argued that negative portrayals of the professoriate in popular culture stem from growing anti-intellectualism in American society. College faculty are often derided as those whose work is primarily or entirely theoretical, too esoteric for practical use. Faculty are also portrayed as foolish or eccentric. Popular culture and public opinion…

As black children are portrayed too often in literature with negative images, it is understandable why they suffer from low self-esteem. In addition to being described as impoverished, black children are shown to be ugly (according to European standards), semiliterate or illiterate, poorly dressed, and malnourished. Northern settings also…

Techniques for college teachers averting or resolving conflicts with students include examining one's own contribution to the conflict, conferring in a neutral setting, finding common ground, using cooperative learning exercises, avoiding defensiveness, talking with colleagues, integrating problem solving into lessons, and using direct…

Tracing its evolution and stressing the role of native language instruction, a proponent of bilingual education argues that native language instruction allows simultaneous content and second language skill development, diminishes alienation, and facilitates intellectual development, and that criticism of such instruction is founded on emotional…

Two problems for academic deans in getting faculty involved in faculty development are motivating teachers and ensuring receptive participation. Active administrator commitment is essential, and participation can be encouraged by laying groundwork carefully, actively promoting concern for good teaching, appointing a department contact person for…

Anti-intellectualism and negative public attitudes about the professoriate are traced to four sources: (1) unquestioned supremacy of economic over cultural capital in the United States; (2) lack of organizational vehicles for faculty to contribute to social change and public debate; (3) unfair competition from policy institutes and foundations;…

The authors examine various excuses offered by teachers and administrators for educational mediocrity, such as "It's not my job.""We've always done it this way." and "There's not enough money." They then suggest a systematic approach to changing these negative attitudes and improving performance. (SJL)

This monograph is designed to give people engaged in human service activities some new and fresh ideas on how to handle stress, how to benefit from its positive aspects, and how to neutralize its detrimental effects. Part 1 provides a background statement and refers readers to an extensive bibliography provided at the end of the paper for those…

Studies have estimated that nearly 20 percent of high school students are experiencing life problems which can be directly attributed to their use of mood-altering chemicals. Many of these life problems, including truancy, declining academic performance, behavior problems, and chemical use itself, directly affect the school system. Any school…

Competent listeners possess the knowledge and ability to listen, the positive attitudes and desire to listen, and the willingness to apply the ability and desire to listen. Having only one or two of these ingredients ensures ineffective listening. One common negative listening attitude is self-centeredness, as opposed to being other-oriented. The…

Specific student attitude problems in compulsory language courses are described and solutions to them are presented, including first-day pep talks, teacher approval and positive attitudes, use of interesting topics, props, provision for student creativity, skillful use of questioning, and use of novelty. (MSE)

This paper examines the past and current attitudes and practices toward hiring, retaining, and promoting African American faculty members, and explores suggestions and predictions pertaining to increased inclusion of African Americans on university and college faculties. It argues that the major problem resulting from the lack of African American…

Faced with widespread public criticism, educators must remember the fundamental aims of education and teach by a well-conceived set of goals that includes responsible citizenship, academic competence, economic independence, self-esteem, and moral integrity. Learning experiences in social studies, science, and health can accomplish many of these…

This article discusses the resistance of many students who have taken Advanced Placement English in high school to college freshman-year English composition requirements. Concepts of adherence and opposition to authority are applied to help understand these students. Recommendations for helping these students develop their thinking and writing are…