Values and beliefs that govern educational practices are discussed, as is an alternative value perspective more consistent with the spirit of reform suggested by national reports. Reputational and resource views of excellence are described. Curriculum, teaching, grading, testing, and faculty personnel policies are discussed. (MLW)

This final report describes activities and accomplishments of a 3-year, federally supported project at the University of Massachusetts (Lowell) to develop a 4-year general education core program featuring both curriculum coherence and choices in courses for students. The curriculum was developed by faculty working in small interdisciplinary…

This paper discusses the results of a survey that investigated the exiting capacity for and potential to expand education and training opportunities in children's mental health services within schools of public health. The survey was sent to all 27 schools of public health in the United States and Puerto Rico accredited by the Council on Education…

In first year college composition classes, teachers often encounter "writing-resisters"--students who enact their disrespect, students who feel they are better off flirting, students who refuse to turn in papers. In addition, there are students for whom writing seems irrelevant. Teachers can articulate to students verbally and in…

A comparison of chemistry teaching in French "Grandes Ecoles" and British universities focuses on entry requirements, course structure and content, teaching methods, assessment, and relationship to industry. Ways in which each country can benefit from the other's practices are outlined. A breakdown of program hours in selected…

The role of colleges and universities in promoting the health of their students and of the community's youth is examined, and initiatives to develop partnerships with community groups are discussed. One suggested approach is to integrate health-promotion activities into the college curriculum, through public service projects and coursework.…

Examines the place of geomorphology in undergraduate programs in the United Kingdom. A questionnaire survey reveals that geomorphology is widely taught in all geo- and environmental sciences, but that teaching methods and the size of the curriculum vary significantly between disciplines. (LS)

Describes Oglethorpe University's Exceptional Educational Experiment, launched in 1939 to demonstrate that students, required to manage their time wisely, could undertake twice as many courses and maintain an "A" average. Draws from the recollections of four former program participants about their experiences and reactions to discuss…

The loss of balance among the functions of the research university (instruction, basic and applied research, and professional training and service) produces a crisis of values. Many of the university's problems can be traced to this disequilibrium. Without increasing the value placed on teaching, curricular reform will be ineffectual. (MSE)

In a speech to University of Chicago (Illinois) students, an educator encourages students to challenge intellectual authority, allow their own assumptions to be challenged, become involved, be open to traditional curriculum content, and generally, keep an open mind. (MSE)

College administrators hope distance education will help them beat the competition. However, it won't give students the intellectual stimulation of a real-live teacher, and it threatens faculty governance and the liberal arts. We can sustain some distance education as long as faculty remains in control of the curriculum and aware of its common…

This article argues that the trend in college student public service cannot be sustained unless it is linked to the faculty's teaching mission, both disciplinary and interdisciplinary. This includes institutionalization of service learning in the field of pedagogy and within specific disciplines, and the linking of service learning to other higher…

For over 30 years, sociologists have expressed concern that the undergraduate curriculum in sociology lacks coherence. The sociology major continues to be loosely structured with few opportunities for sequential learning. To achieve greater coherence in the major, I recommend that departments sequence more courses or infuse both empirical and…

Perspectives on characteristics of college curricula, their influence, and assessment are analyzed, based on a 1982 panel held for the National Commission on Excellence in Education. Discussion topics pertaining to programs and degrees included the proliferation of programs, the college credit hour, changing student constituencies, vocationalism…

The publication summarizes a report on gerontology instruction in American institutions based on a 1985-1986 survey of over 3000 campuses. The summary examines previous knowledge of gerontology instruction and explains the purpose for the national survey, its design and goals, the questionnaires used and the data derived from them, and how the…