A guide to teaching the large introductory college course is presented. The primary sources of information were the experiences of faculty members teaching large introductory courses (100 or more students) at Kansas State University. Faculty members provided responses concerning the special pedagogical problems faced by teachers of the large…

During American colleges' current process of reexamining their commitment to fostering moral development in students, questions have arisen: What is the place of values education in higher education? Does the study of ethics improve moral character? Is it possible to teach values without indoctrinating students? What are the best methods for…

Using four IMPACT innovations as examples (EXPER SIM, Guided Design, TIPS, and Student-to-Student Counseling), this study attempts to define the nature of technological and social changes in university teaching. Data were gathered in three phases: (1) a questionnaire was mailed to individuals who requested information; (2) the adopters of…

Anthropology has experienced declining enrollments due to students' perceptions about the relevance of the field in the marketplace. Suggests that academic departments should incorporate programs of academic and applied research directly into the undergraduate curriculum. (FMW)

Articulation of clear, specific expectations for student learning can lead to better classroom teaching and assessment techniques. The system used at Alverno College (Wisconsin), and particularly the use of stated expectations for English majors, illustrates this concept. Defining expectations can also help create coherence across and entire…

Inquiry education cuts across conventional distinctions between liberal arts and professional programs and is supported by specially designed curricula and pedagogies. The establishment of Hampshire College is described. The idea that undergraduate education should promote students' intellectual independence was a strong thread through the…

An introductory science seminar about the physiology of human movement at Hampshire College is described. Students are required to begin defining and answering their own research questions and elements of collaborative learning are included. (MLW)

A study with 210 college freshmen investigated the effect of 3 aspects of the college experience (curricular exposure, formal classroom and instructional experiences, and out-of-class experiences). Results suggest that both classroom/instructional and out-of-class experiences make positive, statistically significant, unique contributions to gains…

Faculty at a research university, a comprehensive college, and a liberal arts college were interviewed regarding their courses that were associated with improvement in student learning. Results indicate discrepancies between teachers' goals and perceptions of their teaching and their actual methods. (MSE)

Academic service learning contributes to the renewal and satisfaction of faculty, offers new opportunities to think more consciously and creatively about relationships (faculty/student, disciplinary/interdisciplinary knowledge, campus/community), presents opportunities to contribute to the field's development, and offers a vehicle to faculty,…

In an interview, two college students discuss aspects of the college experience, including the transition from high school to college, the most helpful general education and other courses, choice of major, classroom communication, curriculum relevance, effective teaching methods, and particularly important experiences and skills learned. (MSE)

There are many different formats being used for distance learning and each has implications for institutional and public policies. With almost 90% of U.S. public colleges and universities offering distance learning courses, it is important for all members of the academy to be aware of these implications as they consider their own involvement in…

This study sought to evaluate the goals and functions of practical tests designed for students in the natural sciences at the Open University of the Netherlands (OuN). Twelve OuN faculty were asked to rate the importance of 8 general learning objectives, 64 specific learning objectives, and 38 end-terms for undergraduate practicals in the natural…

In 1991, the Illinois Board of Higher Education, working with Illinois colleges and universities, began an initiative to improve productivity, enhance quality, and refine priorities for higher education in Illinois. This initiative, commonly known as PQP, has focused to date on instructional research, public service, and administrative programs…

This monograph examines the state of higher education in Turkey. Thirteen chapters cover: (1) "General Information on Turkey"; (2) "The Historical Development of Higher Education"; (3) "Administrative Structure"; (4) "The Teaching Staff"; (5) "Access to Higher Education"; (6) "Content and…