The relative effectiveness of alternative reward structures in strengthening group performance on a cooperative math task was investigated by operationalizing four reward structure treatments--one non-contingent pay treatment and three differential pay allocation treatments including two levels of inter-group competition and a group piece-rate pay…

After discussing the objectives and challenges of mathematics courses for preservice elementary teachers, and their instructional implications, the author describes an experimental laboratory-based course. Achievement of those taking this course is compared with achievement in a lecture course. (SD)

Describes an educational experiment conducted at Miami University where graduate cable management seminar students were given hands-on experience in developing programming ideas and producing programs for a cable television channel. Learning objectives, evaluation methods, and faculty and on-site supervisor roles are discussed, and recommendations…

Describes a social psychology experiment at the University of New Hampshire involving the use of skits to demonstrate concepts. Findings indicate that students in the experimental group perceived the skits as valuable and interesting. Results are compared with the original hypotheses. (Author/DB)

Examines the effectiveness of the computer component of a cost effective college course in economics. The main computer ingredients consisted of seven instructional lessons, three one-hour exams, a sophisticated record-keeping system, and note-writing capability. Tables are included. (Author/CHC)

Discusses classroom demonstrations of classical conditioning and notes tendencies to misrepresent Pavlov's procedures. Describes the design and construction of the conditioner that is used for demonstrating classical conditioning. Relates how students experience conditioning, generalization, extinction, discrimination, and spontaneous recovery.…

This basic aim of this paper is to explore and describe how the results of experimentation are transmitted from the "laboratory" campus to other campuses and to propose ways of improving and expanding the dissemination process. Chapters cover: (1) New College as a model, (2) "new" elements in New College's program, (3) the…

This paper considers the reconstruction of the relationship of social science and education, and examines two main alternatives, first, that efforts to join social science theory and research to education are irrelevant and deleterious--a position which is discussed, analyzed, and refuted-- and second, as purported by the authors, that social…

Documents the effects of one teaching experiment using video tape presentations on the cognitive learning of undergraduate students in a large introductory political science course. Discusses student reaction and actual learning outcomes. (Author/DB)

The effects of lecture versus laboratory method of teaching on the achievement of forty-six students enrolled in a unit on soil and water management (surveying) were studied. Results indicated no significant differences between groups as measured by cognitive and motor skill tests. (JH)

Presents a history of Dartington, a small arts college in England, from 1934 to the present. Topics include schools of music and art which influenced Dartington, college founders, educational objectives, staff, new academic structures, career awareness, degree requirements, success factors, and student attitudes. (Author/DB)

Provides a listing of 35 demonstrations designed to generate interest in organic chemistry and help put points across. Topics include opening lecture; molecular structure and properties; halogenation; nucleophilic substitution, alkenes and dienes, stereochemistry, spectroscopy, alcohols and phenols, aldehydes and ketones; carboxylic acids, amines,…

The author gives a candid report on his experiences while creating a new college. (AD)

Reports on an experiment designed to identify positive variables in the essay writing of Black college students and to use the variables in a new writing course. Suggests that instruction in concepts, skills, and relationships, when combined with consideration of students' diagnosed needs, can result in writing improvement. (AOS)

The financial and accreditation problems of the Union for Experimenting Colleges and Universities, an innovative institution that includes the Union Graduate School and the undergraduate University Without Walls, are examined. Also discussed is the Union's ability to retain its experimental character as it faces retrenchment. (JMD)