Recent research on how college students learn and what constitutes an effective educational experience is reviewed, and implications for bringing about desired changes in the undergraduate experience are discussed. Topics examined include students' ability to reason with abstractions, development of moral values, extent to which the curriculum and…

Discusses the problems in attempting to focus learning more upon the student in a module which introduces business computing in the University of Luton's (England) undergraduate program. Concludes that students, university management and academic staff have reasons to resist greater openness in learning, and that continued rapid change in a…

Explores problem-based learning as a strategy for teaching analytical science theory and laboratory practice to a cohort of first year undergraduate biomedical students (N=48). Findings indicate that students feel the approach helps their understanding of theory practice connections. (DDR)

Describes changes that are being made in mathematics teachers' subject studies in order to provide students with sufficiently deep knowledge of mathematics and science and with present-day expertise in their profession as teachers. Provides an abstract algebra course as the ultimate example of a pedagogical experiment where co-operative learning…

Describes the use of cooperative learning, classroom assessment, and active learning in an undergraduate organic chemistry course sequence. Contains over 20 references. (WRM)

Presents techniques for institutional researchers and academic administrators to use in assisting faculty in implementing competency-based learning strategies. Discusses how competencies can be identified and how to approach consensus about expected levels of student performance; offers practical examples illustrating how competencies can be…

This volume articulates a general program of implementation strategies and provides practical advice for integrating environmental medicine content into medical education. Chapter 1 is an introduction to the issues and the organization of the volume. Chapter 2 lays the foundation for a curriculum centered on six competency-based learning…

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has as a major focus the improvement of science education at all levels. Each year the institute provides grants for competing organizations whose aim is educating the public in science and/or biomedical research. This document contains the proceedings of a conference that provided a forum for 98 representatives…

This paper proposes a course in business communication that includes international or global perspectives in its philosophy, content, and assignments. The course is proposed because current business education does not thoroughly address the global perspective in business communication, thereby making graduates assuming leadership roles in American…

This report addresses issues concerning arts and sciences majors, including how students and faculty view the major, the organization of the major in many institutions, restructuring the major, the importance of "connected learning," underrepresented students, and common dialogues across disciplines. Also, the report stresses the importance of the…

This report presents summaries of important issues and needed changes in how colleges and universities treat the undergraduate liberal arts major. This volume, volume 2, contains abridged versions of 12 field reports, written by task forces appointed by the participating learned societies. In the reports, campus practices within the liberal arts…

A bibliography of publications authored, coauthored, or edited by Clark Kerr on the future of American higher education is presented. The specific topics of the publications, which cover 1939-1981, include the following: the failure of academic reform in the United States and Western Europe, changes and challenges ahead for community colleges,…

The social dimensions of the student condition are defined by seven societal factors. These factors include: (1) the segmentation of radicalism on campuses, which encourages, yet controls, change-rate and change-direction; (2) the intellectual campus climate, which enhances intellectual dissatisfaction and the probability of change; (3) the…

Declines in the United States' competitive status in the world show that the nation needs a better educated, more creative, more flexible work force. Undergraduate education has an essential role to play in preparing students for both work and citizenship, requiring new collaboration between state, education, and community leaders. (MSE)

Suggests chemistry should be better taught to undergraduates with more emphasis on lifelong learning experience. Emphasizes the collaboration needed between chemistry disciplines. Lists suggestions for curriculum change in chemistry. (ML)