Contends that a college-level capstone course in sociology should synthesize prior knowledge and foster continuing affilation with the discipline. Discusses six pedagogical principles that promote a continuing relationship with sociology. Describes content and instructional procedures used in a senior seminar at Rider College (New Jersey). (CFR)

Compares a college-level senior seminar at Christoper Newport University (VA) to a rite of passage for new members in the field. Describes the structure, content, and assignments used in the course. Lists criteria used to evaluate student papers and presentations. (CFR)

Interviews faculty who teach introductory geography education courses, and surveys preservice students in them, to determine if a course at the University of Northern Colorado meets the Colorado Geography Standards. Uses the results to design introductory courses that strengthen skill and content training. Assesses the success of these courses.…

Details a study that focused on assessing changes in attitudes during and after a practical course in doctor-patient communication within a biomedically oriented curriculum. Results indicate that female students are more patient. Contains 49 references. (DDR)

Explores the changes in attitude and social engagement of students exposed to a special curriculum to promote tolerance versus those enrolled in typical music education preparation courses. Indicates that comfort levels with those from diverse/different background increased, the use of slurs decreased, and confrontations with others who made slurs…

Summarizes four guidelines pertaining to classroom advocacy that are based on the purpose of a liberal arts education: (1) advocacy should be explicit; (2) advocacy should be reasoned and informed; (3) teachers should allow free and open discussion of students' positions; and (4) advocacy should be civil and repectful of students. (CMK)

Examines the effects of music teacher delivery skills, lesson content, and student academic standing on 511 university music students' perceptions of lesson quality or teacher appeal. Indicates that student interest and preference varied by academic standing, teacher delivery, and lesson quality. Includes references. (CMK)

The introductory survey of media course is a standard offering in many media studies programs. Students' points of view about controversial issues treated in this class are quite susceptible to change. Indeed, a deliberately value-added approach to teaching this class acknowledges and appreciates that student opinions are likely to change in the…

This article discusses the results of a mainly qualitative study into possible impacts of recent controversial socio-scientific issues on a group of Portuguese secondary school students regarding their conceptions about scientists. The 86 participants: (1) answered a questionnaire with open-ended questions; and (2) wrote a science fiction story…

In this article, the author shares some anecdotes to point out a common enough trend that is all but ignored in pedagogical discussions within Native studies. As a non-Native scholar he shares his understanding of what he sees Native students regularly facing in the university (not just his institution, but most), and what they may come to face…

In this paper, the current profile of the environmental engineer and the programming of the subject "Environmental Engineering and Technology" corresponding to the studies of Mining Engineering at the University of Oviedo in Spain, is discussed. Professional profile, student knowledge prior to and following instruction as well as…

One goal of most courses is to prepare students with basic knowledge and skills associated with the course content. Mastery learning can be a rewarding way to encourage greater student achievement by allowing students multiple attempts to demonstrate an understanding of course concepts. This may involve repeated submissions of individual…

The teaching of evolutionary theory has historically been problematic, often times marred with legal and moral battles. In recent years, state boards of education have prohibited or somehow compromised the role of evolutionary theory in school science. Consistent with the diversity of beliefs in contemporary society, preservice science teachers…

Much research has been compiled on service-learning, its benefits, and its influence on intrinsic motivation. Service-learning has been used as a method of teaching content in science education, civic education and history, business and marketing education, as well as other areas. However, a review of literature found no service-learning studies…

Schools in England are now being encouraged to "personalise" the curriculum and to consult students about teaching and learning. This article reports on an evaluation of one high school which is working hard to increase student subject choice, introduce integrated curriculum in the middle years and to improve teaching and learning while…