Describes a Teaching Discussion Group in the University of Northern Iowa's Mathematics Department; the group is designed to facilitate discussion among faculty about teaching techniques. Discusses the group's rationale, formation, structure, benefits, challenges, and lessons for other such programs. (EV)

Addresses how online instructors can improve their email communications with students. Describes the characteristics and demands of online instruction as depending on the instructor's ability to communicate in writing. Presents a model to guide instructors in their online communications. Underscores the importance of instructors' writing skills in…

Suggests that educators in two year colleges must find a space, in all the other work that they have, to do both the reading and writing that allows them to thrive professionally. Concludes that teaching will always matter, but it should not exclude the essential development that only a broader professional conversation can enable in the teacher.…

Asks why so many students come out of high school, college, and university training programs ill-equipped in the most basic and essential skills of acting. Presents and explores the idea that the single most important thing that a teacher must understand is that the only thing that really communicates from the stage is what the actor truly knows.…

Notes that teachers, whether new or senior faculty, cannot succeed--with or without new technology--unless they keep in mind the dimensions of good teaching that allow them to connect with students in the first place. Focuses on creating a learning community around five dimensions associated with effective teaching: enthusiasm, command of subject,…

Provides an in-depth exploration of the approaches to identify, codify, report, and communicate the wisdom of practice. Explores: How does the wisdom of practice influence teaching and learning? Is the influence positive? Could it be improved and thereby contribute more to the scholarship of teaching? (EV)

Reading, writing, and reflecting can be used as tools during teachers' professional development opportunities. Various forums and activities that support an evolving view of professional development tend to encourage active participation and decision-making, reflective practice, and constructing knowledge based on discussions and readings. Book…

Two ever-present occupational hazards that persistently weaken educational efforts in schools are (1) organizational aspects of the institution that distract from the goal of helping young people become the best possible individuals they can, and (2) infatuation with the means of education to the extent that the ends of education are not central…

If teaching is the effective communication of knowledge, the teacher first must be knowledgeable about the subject being taught. Communicating that knowledge to students is just as important. One standard teaching method is the lecture. A lecture is prepared before class by the teacher and should include not only the facts to be learned by the…

The challenge, give and take, stimulation, and deepened experience of the honors seminar can be successfully extended to "all students",as described in this article. (Editor/PG)

The place and uses of tact are presented in two situations involving minority students in composition classes. (PG)

Learning requires students to be active not passive. The author reports on his procedures and experiments in student participation. (PG)

To provide diagnostic feedback for college faculty, a faculty evaluation rating scale was developed and used by college students. The instrument consisted of 2 global items--rate the instructor, rate the course; 5 questions on general teaching characteristic--presentation, enthusiasm, discussion, organization, and personal attention; and 42 low…

The problems that turn up while trying to improve teaching and learning are rarely exclusive to one higher education system or one nation. British efforts at faculty development go back many years, and an examination of them may be helpful to members of other systems. Although British universities differ from American ones in ethos, history, and…

The Centre for Advancement of Teaching at Macquarie University in Australia serves as an agency through which the University makes a contribution to increasing the effectiveness of teaching and learning at all levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary. To this end the Centre seeks to develop cooperation with the academic staff of the University,…