One undergraduate's transformational story of self-discovery and personal development frames this discussion of the importance of undergraduate involvement in social justice research. In this article, the authors first share a bit about the national landscape regarding community-university engagement initiatives. They also share research findings…

"Foundations for Critical Thinking" explores the landscape of critical-thinking skill development and pedagogy through foundational chapters and institutional case studies involving a range of students in diverse settings. By establishing a link between active learning and improved critical thinking, this resource encourages all higher…

Discusses several characteristics considered to be important to a good undergraduate research program in chemistry. They include providing adequate time for students, proper selection of the research problem, a firm requirement that significant work will be performed, and a suitable format in presenting the research results. (JN)

The involvement of undergraduate science majors in publishable research is a vital aspect of their education. The special problems confronted by faculty doing and directing such research are formidable. Several of these problems (such as heavy teaching loads) and ways of attacking them are described. (JN)

Findings and recommendations presented in this study of the role and nature of doctoral disserations are based on deliberations of a task force of graduate school deans and 48 reports submitted by selected universities. Findings are offered in the areas of: distinguishing characteristics of dissertation research and dissertations; originality,…

An undergraduate research program in natural product synthesis was established at a small liberal arts college. Discusses program goals (including the total synthesis of maytansine), objectives, and accomplishments to date. Guidelines for establishing such programs are offered. (JN)

The benefits of undergraduate research programs for faculty members are described. Proposal strategies for new faculty, working in the undergraduate setting, and role of the senior faculty are the other major areas considered. (JN)

Examines programmatic effects of undergraduate chemistry research programs, focusing on internal research funding at Pomona College. The two-phase funding plan is described, accompanied by commentary on the reasoning and philosophy which lie behind these procedures. (JN)

Most broadcast educators realize the importance of experiential learning as a tool for preparing students for careers in radio and television. An innovative new program was set up between West Georgia College and the Atlanta Branch of the National Archives. A pilot project involved six teams of two students each in a scriptwriting class. Students…

The University of Wisconsin (Madison) has developed a pilot Environmental Stewardship Initiative, a mechanism for incorporating environmental stewardship into the university's operations and curriculum. The complex and dynamic campus ecosystem serves as a model community and field station for student research on natural history and institutional…

The lack of a planned, disciplined, and well-supervised approach to research which frustrates a student's timely completion of a Ph.D. program is addressed. Some practices are discussed which, if adopted, could lead many more students to complete their Ph.D. expeditiously. A framework is presented that is intended to help the student and the…

Findings from a survey of 20 liberal arts colleges which did not have graduate programs in chemistry are presented. Discussed are regulations, actions taken and costs of academic laboratories regarding the disposal of hazardous waste. (CW)

With resource-based learning projects, college students at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science develop a better sense of the information resources available, the nature of scientific literature, and the characteristics of scientific writing. Faculty motivations, benefits, and disappointments with this approach are addressed.…

The redesign of basic science curriculum at the Columbia University (New York) dental school is outlined. Goals included development of a medical continuum allowing students to apply basic science to patient care; decompression of crowded second-year content; and facilitation of student pursuit of research and other biomedical interests in third…

Reports on increased amounts of financial assistance given to Laboratory Cooperative Science Centers, Energy Manpower Development Programs for teacher and student research, and minority institutions. Includes a table indicating programs mandated by Congress and the amount of support funds given. (RT)