Examines the use of portfolio assessment in a distance education program for research information skills at the University of South Africa. Discusses the assessment of information literacy and online searching skills; portfolio assessment criteria; student attitudes; validity and reliability of portfolio assessment; and problems. (LRW)

Uses historical material from the United States and South Africa in different periods to raise several key issues about the desired outcomes of university education and what is conducive to their achievement, focusing on four clusters of concerns: values, utility and community orientation, research skills, and "arousing interests"…

Fostering undergraduate research has increasingly become a focus of four-year institutions. Thus, given the maturity and capabilities of a substantial number of community college students, Virginia Community College System (VCCS) faculty can help students prepare for the baccalaureate by providing them with opportunities for actual research. With…

This paper reports on a small college's efforts to interest more psychology majors in research projects and to help all students enrolled in psychology courses improve their research and writing skills. Rather than have their students complete a literature review or term paper within the confines of one semester, faculty introduced a step-by-step…

A curriculum activity was initiated to provide preservice teachers with a personal knowledge base of active research procedures through the use of class-related activities. A research component was included in a required preservice class in assessment. Following the principles of scaffolding theory, students who had studied the elements of…

This book provides a practical, realistic understanding of the process of doing research for a doctorate degree (Ph.D.) from a British viewpoint. The work discusses many issues often left unconsidered, such as the emotional investment made by students and its effects, the skills required by an effective supervisor, and the importance of time. The…

This guide provides student activities to be used in teaching mastery of the essential skills in library research and reference required at each grade level from K to 12 in the Kentucky schools, pursuant to 1984 state legislation. Listed under each skill for ease of correlation, the various activities include board games, group competitions,…

The University of California (UC) system campuses provide various bibliographic instruction courses in behalf of undergraduates' needs. At the University of California, Berkeley, a new experimental course was offered by the library in the fall quarter 1968: "Bibliography 1-X: How to Use the University of California Library" (Bib 1). From…

Impacts of conflicting academic and professional pressures on graduate schools of education in research universities are examined, along with reforms to reduce these conflicts. Information was obtained from reports and interviews at graduate schools of education, including the University of California at Berkeley, George Peabody College for…

Describes a high school chemistry student's research project in which limonene was isolated from the oil of lemons and oranges. Outlines the students' tests on the use of this chemical as an insecticide. Discusses possible extensions of the exercises based on questions generated by the students. (TW)

Argues that in-college basic research skills instruction is really "remedial," and suggests solutions to problems encountered in instructional programs offered at college level. Highlights include the value of cooperative bibliographic instruction programs between universities and high schools and the Bridging the Gap program offered at…

A unit designed to help students write better papers by following a specific research strategy was added to a freshman English composition course. Following logical organization of a library from general to specific, the strategy enables students to engage in independent research and obtain high-quality information to support a paper. (EJS)

Elements of the legal writing program are presented and discussed: goals, structure, assignments, instructional method, and program problems (credit hours, faculty-student relationship, grading by tutors, competition for library resources, low level of basic student skills). Available from Union University, 80 Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208;…

A group of academic staff at the Open University with little computer experience developed a computer program for instruction. Reasons for its inclusion in the course, procedures for its adoption, and initial evaluation are described. The course was one in research methods in education and the social sciences. (MSE)

Ninety gifted students from Warren County schools participated in a multifaceted summer institute program, focusing on water pollution. Writing and research skills were emphasized. This article describes the rationale, objectives, process, and evaluation design of this program and comments on the future of gifted education. (SJL)