Illustrates the use of collaborative learning groups (CLGs) to help student learning. Finds that students did better on test material that was discussed in group sessions; that connections to classmates increased significantly; and that the great majority of students lauded the use of CLGs. (DB)

Discusses Rutgers University's departmentally based "Gateway" retention program for underprepared students. Explains that, in "Gateway Sociology 101," students learn sociology in extraordinarily positive conditions. Reports that instructors pursue expanded goals, offer extra classroom time, monitor attendance, teach in teams,…

Describes an exercise for the first day of courses in introductory sociology. Includes four objectives: (1) telling students what they will be able to do by the end of the class; (2) exposing them to the social construction of reality; (3) showing the power of the sociological imagination; and (4) changing students into participants in their…

Suggests using classroom experiences as data to be identified, analyzed, and evaluated. Defines sociological wisdom as the ability to use sociological knowledge to make sense of one's experience in the world. States that using the classroom as a sociological event requires the allocating exercise time, distancing to avoid defensiveness, and…

Discusses three classroom climates that are often encountered in teaching about inequality and social stratification: resistance, paralysis, and rage. Describes resistance as denying the existence or importance of inequality. Defines paralysis as classes that see little chance of overcoming inequality. Suggests that the enraged class is unable to…

Discusses a teaching method used by the author in his college sociology classes. Describes a method of active learning in which students are encouraged to discover interrelationships of parts and wholes on their own. Compares this discovery method to the Montessori method used in elementary education. (DK)

Outlines strategies for effectively teaching classic works of sociological theory to undergraduate sociology majors. Suggests placing a heightened emphasis on writing, opening the class to as much discussion as possible, and forming student reading groups. Selects classic works to be read and an order in which to teach them. (DB)

Describes a method of encouraging student participation in large classes where students make brief notes of their participation to turn in at the end of class. Explains that credit is given for each acceptable item up to three a day. Suggests that this system encourages more participation by rewarding participation with higher grades. (DK)

Argues that students often memorize, without critical analysis, components and processes of subjects in the sociology curriculum. Suggests that using cross-cultural, comparative material is a means of stimulating the critical energy of students, and subverting the tendency toward uncritical acceptance of factual "nuts and bolts." (DB)

Delineates the integration of the topic of suicide prevention into the introductory sociology course, and outlines the teaching methods. Argues that this approach makes social science research relevant and interesting to students by giving them usable information and potentially life-saving skills. (Author/DB)

Examines strategies for teaching sociology in an international setting using London as an example. Focuses on ways for faculty to integrate resources of a city in another culture into the overseas study curriculum. Discusses shaping courses to fit an international setting, anticipatory socialization of students, and support for faculty. (DK)

Discusses using the critical perspective as a methodology to teach a college sociology course. Examines the failure of this approach and looks at the determinants of student apathy. Concludes that failure is unavoidable, given the structure of higher education and the intellectual level of most students. Harvey Holtz and Richard A. Wright respond…

Presents a study that integrates a personalized teaching style with classroom opportunities for group interaction to encourage student participation. Compares a traditionally taught sociology class to one designed to enhance participants' views of themselves as students. Concludes from the research that students can be helped to redefine their…

Discusses the inclusion of rules regarding classroom etiquette in an introductory college sociology course. Reports on rules regarding tardiness, leaving early, absenteeism, paying attention, and/or sleeping in class. Concludes that students and colleagues are generally positive about the approach. (CFR)

Reports on a study of 138 college sociology professors on their attitudes about and techniques for learning students' names. Finds that the number of tactics used for learning names declines as class size increases. Includes 18 techniques for name-learning. (CFR)