Compares the effectiveness of two instructional models in bringing about a valid understanding of science concepts in prospective elementary teachers. Describes the two instructional models; an expository model and a learning cycle model. Concludes that college students understandings of science concepts may be improved using a combination of the…

Discusses some of the advantages and disadvantages of both live and videotaped presentations, particularly in regard to courses in mechanical engineering. Describes a graduate-level gas dynamics course that was offered live and on videotape to students both on and off campus by the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign). (TW)

Techniques for providing variety and effectiveness within the lecture format are described, including the oral essay, participatory lecture, problem-solving approach, alternating mini-lectures and discussions, modeling analytical skills, debate, simulation and role-playing, and the affective/emotional media lecture. (MSE)

A study compared the effect of two different lecture pause procedures (pauses used for reflection and notetaking; pauses used for discussion) on the recall and note completeness of 27 college students with learning disabilities. Results show independent reflection meant fewer ideas partially recorded in notes, but otherwise no significant…

This article discusses various definitions of teaching, arguing that teaching takes many forms and is conducted at numerous levels. It outlines a continuum of nine forms, with the teacher as disseminator/transmitter, lecturer/dramatist, inducer/persuader, inquirer/catalyst, dialogist, facilitator/guide, witness/abiding presence, learner, or…

Discusses the goals and purposes of history instruction as reported in a survey of historians. Presents and discusses four goals for history instruction in a private college's history department. Asserts that the use of collaborative groups and discussion is preferable to the lecture method. (CFR)

Reports the results of five contrasts between small-group learning and a more teacher-centered instructional style employed in junior high, high school, and college mathematics classes. In no case did the small-group class perform more poorly than the one led by a teacher; in one case, measuring long-term retention, the small-group class performed…

Reports survey results of 126 students enrolled in first- or second-year biology courses concerning the effectiveness of different teaching methods within the lecture format. Indicates that the traditional, didactic lecture, although perceived as least effective, was regarded as highly effective when enhanced by active student involvement.…

Examines how reading ability relates to course performance in an introductory developmental psychology course. Compares personalized system of instruction (PSI) to contingency managed lecture (CML) sections. Shows previous academic performance best predicted final examination scores for CML students while reading comprehension best predicted PSI…

A national survey of 82 medical schools concerning curriculum and instruction on homosexuality found mean instruction time of 3 hours 26 minutes, with significant geographic variation. The most common strategy was lectures in human sexuality, followed distantly by panel presentations and interaction with gays and lesbians. Integration of the topic…

Examines whether class size in the introductory-level economics course affects subsequent performance in intermediate-level economics courses. Studies University of Massachusetts (Boston) students who are allowed to choose large or small lecture classes. Finds that students enrolled in large sections received lower grades in subsequent…

Presents the ozone depletion story as an excellent case study for the integration of science-related social issues into the college science curriculum. Describes the history of ozone depletion and efforts to remedy the problem. Provides a lecture outline on ozone depletion. Discusses integrating other science-related interdisciplinary topics in…

Suggestions are offered on the use of animated lectures on CD-ROM into the curriculum of an upper-intermediate-level course in English-as-a-second-language speaking and listening. The technique is recommended as a means of sharpening student listening skills and preparing students for real-life lectures in college. Animated lectures were drawn…

A questionnaire survey was used at Southern California University, Berkeley in which 140 faculty members gave their opinions about the problems and pleasures in teaching large lecture classes (minimum 100 students). Faculty members were also queried about their practices in dealing successfully with problems and their recommendations for…

Suggestions on how to enhance college teaching are provided. Lecturing is stressed as a critical component of teaching, and each lecture's introduction, main body, and conclusion must be correlated prior to any given lecture. Information on how to compose and give a lecture includes: what to put in an introduction; what can be done to help the…