This document presents the syllabus for Library Instruction at the University of Rhode Island. The course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of bibliographic instruction and concentrates in the following areas: the history, philosophy, and structure of library education; cognitive aspects of library instruction; forms of library…

Describes a teaching exercise in an undergraduate psychology course in which students read a book with unconventional perspectives on the field of study. Maintains that the activity develops critical reading and thinking skills by confronting students with controversial views. Identifies some of the books selected to fit the criteria of this…

An assignment centered on reading journal articles and writing abstracts is an effective way to improve student reading and writing skills in sedimentology and stratigraphy laboratories. Each student reads two articles and writes informative abstracts from the author's point of view. (PR)

Suggests that class assignments include activities outside the school which will allow students to apply newly acquired information and skills to real life situations. (PD)

Argues that the perennial problem of boring student writing is solved when assignments provide writers with target readers, enabling students to find their appropriate voice. Discusses a sample assignment in which students explain how to do something they do well to readers who don't know how to do it. (JG)

A flexible, point contract system is described which maximizes the advantages of a criterion-referenced contract system while eliminating some of the disadvantages of standard grade contracts. This model has been used by the author in a variety of high school and college courses. (Author/SJL)

Offers tips on improving the organizational communication between yearbook staff editors and photographers to ensure that the right pictures are taken at the right times. (RL)

Notes that business communication courses should include basic machine dictation training. Lists advantages of machine dictation over other methods and gives an example of a unit outline for training students. Provides two exercises and a form for evaluating dictation. (TJ)

Argues that teachers need to be aware of the diverse conceptual demands made by writing assignments in various disciplines; illustrates this by analyzing four assignments. (DD)

This guide for college teachers, written from a British perspective, focuses on economic and efficient practices for assessing students. The guide groups various practices under 10 major strategies: (1) decide whose interests assessment is serving; (2) avoid over-sampling the course; (3) avoid over-questioning; (4) avoid over-reading student work;…

Contends that students need to be taught how to analyze their audience and to adapt what they say to that audience. Describes teaching methods used to introduce students to the use of a heuristic model for audience analysis in written discourse. (FL)

Describes a system for grading individual assignments that combines objective guidelines with flexibility for the instructor and gives students opportunities to earn positive reinforcement. Shows how the system allows for the addition or subtraction of quality points. (RL)

Demonstrates a model business-report format that can be used in business classes other than business report writing. (RL)

Relates a two-part writing assignment for the study of poetry, in which students are assigned to write a critique in response to a particular question and are then asked to give a personal response. (TJ)