This third in a series of edited transcripts based on a conference at Utah State University describes Merrill's Component Design Theory (CDT) and compares it to his earlier Component Display Theory. Topics discussed include concept structures, knowledge acquisition, components of an instructional design system, and a new CDT matrix. (10…

An undergraduate student offers reflections and observations on college course syllabi. Since the syllabus is the student's guide through the course, it should be clearly organized allowing students to find information quickly. It should outline the expectations that students and instructor will have during the course. In addition a syllabus must…

A discussion of retrospective evaluation of student learning looks at the purposes, expectations, and values inherent in evaluation and proposes faculty-developed, course-based assessment as a controllable and beneficial evaluation method. (MSE)

This article provides guidelines for teachers who have limited computer experience and find themselves faced with establishing a computer typewriting/keyboarding course. (JOW)

Instructors who have put together a course to reach the distant learner can tell the nightmares of preparing and delivering a syllabus. Many are the instructors who have attempted and failed to teach a distance learning course when little or no thought was given to modifying the method of delivery or how to connect the distant and remote site…

Although needed reforms of the social studies curriculum have been identified, recommendations for procedures for achieving these reforms are lacking. The author offers practical and simple steps to take in three areas: scope, sequence, and classroom realities. (Author/JM)

Presents a more practical orientation for the composition classroom that would allow technical students to demonstrate and improve competency in the realm of technical employment while at the same time improving their written communication skills. (HTH)

Suggests: (1) a "coherent" approach featuring mutual reinforcement, unifying themes, the easy incorporation of seemingly isolated facts, and growing powers of predictability: (2) incorporation of current research findings; and (3) special topics, in addition to basics. Suggests "Account of Chemical Research" as a source for…

Calls for reexamination of English courses, as to content, organization, and procedures. Adds a report of experience with language workrooms at "general education schools" in Bremen, and some suggestions regarding intensive courses. (IFS/WGA)

Describes the content, requirements, and pedagogy of a course in data communications and computer networks that was developed at Eastern Michigan University. Highlights include course organization; grading methods; term paper assignment; peer evaluation form for team projects; network application; and analysis and design of networks. (four…

Discusses computer programming and why it is important in library and information science (LIS) education. BASIC programming language is recommended as the most appropriate for LIS students, and an example is given of its use in a course at McGill University. (29 references) (LRW)

Discusses a graduate course at Washington University on teaching foreign languages with technology. Although there was some skepticism by students at the beginning of the course, by the end most believed that the integration of technology was useful for developing language acquisition and for introducing students to authentic materials of culture.…

Discusses the applicability of the definition, principles, and underlying strategies of total quality management (TQM) for engineering education. Describes several tools and methods for the implementation of TQM and its suitability for a variety of school activities. Presents a TQM course outline combining lectures, discussions, suggested…

Based on the proceedings of a two-week seminar about Afro-American literature, this book is designed as a carefully orchestrated presentation of the central ideas that sparked the meetings and made them significant. The essays are arranged in sections that discuss Afro-American literary history, black figurative language, Afro-American literature…

The author makes a case for replacing the traditional English term paper with short repeatable research assignments as a better way of developing students' reading comprehension and self-management skills in the writing process. He appends a sequential task outline for the stages of a research assignment. (SJL)