The development of a data-based technical education curriculum at Western Kentucky University is described, with consideration of: assessment of the technical needs of the industrial community to identify topics for inclusion in the computer integrated manufacturing technology (CIMT) curriculum, assessment of available physical and human…

The result of a 2-year research project conducted by the Center for the Study of Community Colleges, this report summarizes trends in humanities education in the two-year colleges in the United States as revealed through national surveys of full- and part-time humanities instructors, campus facilitators, and community service directors. The first…

In 1976 and 1981, surveys were conducted to determine the curricular role of geography in the New York State Community College System. The questionnaire solicited information on the geography courses offered; frequency with which they were offered; new courses planned; faculty degrees; responsiveness of geographical associations and community…

A survey of heads of collection development in 104 academic libraries was conducted to determine usefulness of information sources on curriculum change for selectors and extent of library involvement in planning such changes. Procedures developed at University of New Mexico and other universities are highlighted. Questionnaire is appended. (24…

The purpose of this study was to document a community college faculty development process through which the faculty learned to reconstruct their curriculum around significant learning outcomes and authentic assessment strategies. Five questions focused the inquiry: (1) What kind of organizational support systems were necessary for the faculty to…

The number of technical writing courses and programs in institutions of higher education has increased over the years. However, during the academic year of 1980-81 a study concerning the subject in Kentucky's colleges and universities could not be found. A questionnaire was designed to determine how many of the 42 Kentucky colleges and…

This book suggests that radical changes are occurring in academe as more women, foreign-born, and minority scholars enter the professorate and as alternatives to full-time tenure track appointments take hold. It is based on an analysis of data from the 1993 National Study of Postsecondary Faculty on new faculty and senior faculty. The study…

This study assessed those areas of the college general education curriculum that are rated as most important to entering college students and those areas of the curriculum in which students feel the most confident (i.e., in terms of their abilities). Focus was on assessing the effects of the general education requirements that were established in…

Student perspectives on learning was investigated at Alverno College. Attention was directed to how students understand and justify learning outcomes, and how they understand liberal learning as relevant to performance in personal and professional roles. The competency-based curriculum at Alverno College defines competencies as developmental,…

The history and rationale for entry and exit tests devised to meet Pennsylvania's standards for certifying foreign language teachers are outlined and discussed. The involvement of the Educational Testing Service in developing and validating tests in a variety of subject areas is described, and the need for institutional rather than standardized…

The current status and frequency of nonmajor biology courses offered in colleges and universities in the United States and Canada were investigated. A random sample of 300 four-year colleges was sent a questionnaire and a request for copies of their syllabi for nonmajor biology courses and other nonmajor science courses. Of the 134 respondents,…

This project focused on encouraging instructors at large universities to take advantage of the curricular materials and computer tools developed for two related programs funded originally by FIPSE. In particular, it involved reworking and integrating materials developed for the previously funded Workshop Physics and Tools for Scientific Thinking…

This document is a guide for use in self-study by groups of college faculty using the Course Planning Exploration (CPE) survey. The CPE is designed to uncover approaches to course planning and thereby stimulate discussion, collegial learning, and development among faculty members. Section I describes the CPE including the history of its…

The American Council on Education's (ACE) continuing project to monitor and report on changing practices in higher education, is reported in this fifth issue of "Campus Trends." The survey was conducted by ACE's Higher Education Panel, with questionnaires completed by senior administrators at 367 colleges and universities. Special…

The Education Professions Development Act (EPDA) program (University of Hawaii) prepares community college instructors and administrators. To determine student characteristics, program effectiveness, and usefulness of training, 110 questionnaires were mailed to EPDA participants; 62 were returned. A student profile revealed: equal numbers of male…