Problems and possible solutions for training Papua New Guinea undergraduates to think creatively are considered, with a focus on engineering students. Since many engineering graduates in Papua New Guinea work in isolated outposts with no one to teach them on the job, a practical problem-solving emphasis is needed in their college courses.…

Perspectives concerning the current disenchantment about undergraduate curricula and the bachelors degree are offered in this keynote address. It is suggested that rising expectations and unfulfilled hopes for higher education from the 1960s may be a factor. In the 1960s a sense of reform and rediscovery later created an expectation among students…

The importance of reform of studies to ensure greater social and professional relevance of higher education in countries that are members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is considered. The state of research in higher education is also examined. After briefly discussing the current state of higher education in…

Starting from Newman's concept of the university as a place of liberal education, this book examines how today's university functions, what its aims should be and what its strengths and deficiencies are, and presents some proposals for reform. It is argued that liberal education remains the core of university studies, although it is advocated that…

UNDERGRADUATE TEACHER-TRAINING IN LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES WITH HIGH MODERN LANGUAGE ENROLLMENTS AND GOOD GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION WAS SURVEYED WITH REGARD TO COURSE REQUIREMENTS, PRACTICE TEACHING, AND FUTURE TEACHER-TRAINING PLANS. RESPONSES WERE RECEIVED FROM THE CHAIRMEN OF 335 FOREIGN LANGUAGE DEPARTMENTS IN 244 COLLEGES. SEVENTY PERCENT OF THE…

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching's report on collegiate education, "College," is discussed by Ernest L. Boyer. The undergraduate experience and quality, college teaching, assessment, the quality of campus life, student development, and general education are discussed. (MLW)

The present liberal arts degree does not provide the thinking skills and necessary knowledge for wise decision-making because it is not keeping up with the increasing pace of history and the expanding world of technology and knowledge, and does not directly teach synthesizing skills. Elements of a core curriculum are proposed.(MSE)

Australia's federal government is seeking to broaden access to higher education, and this process will require restructuring of the sectors, increased articulation, collaboration of state and federal government to minimize educational disadvantagement, increased links with industry and community, and improvement in academic career paths and…

The evolution of the Harvard University undergraduate liberal arts curriculum and its relationship to contemporary concepts and discussion of the educated person is examined. A specific definition of the intended outcomes of liberal arts education in the 1980s is proposed. (MSE)

This book of nine essays was written to honor Frank H. T. Rhodes, President Emeritus of Cornell University (New York) and addresses ways in which research universities can respond to current challenges. An introductory chapter, "The American University: Dilemmas and Directions" (Ronald G. Ehrenberg), identifies key issues raised in the following…

The development and contributions of Professor Ruth Eckert are presented in this autobiographical essay. Focus is on higher education as a field of graduate study and changes in higher education throughout this century. The author's experiences are set in the context of wider happenings in higher education. (Author/JMD)

Outlines several kinds of changes occurring in the history and philosophy of geography instruction in England. These are changes in the nature of the subject, changes in teaching methods, changes in school education, changes in undergraduate education; and student reactions to the subject. (MJP)

Explores factors affecting the relationship between research and higher education, particularly in the rapidly changing European context where the rise in mass education and institutional differentiation has created a crisis for the traditional university. Argues that these changes will lead to a fundamental restructuring of research and its…

First-cycle university courses in France have a special function, both providing education and serving as an adjustment variable, guaranteeing a place in higher education for any student with the "baccalaureat" degree. Suggests criticism of the system for poor completion rates in undergraduate courses is partially unfounded because the…

Argues for altering the balance between research and teaching at the university level to improve science education for undergraduates. Recommends changing the tenure and promotion guidelines to recognize high-quality teaching, redefining good scholarship to include innovative teaching methods, introducing professional development programs to…