Using a social cognitive framework, the present study investigated the relations between two motivational constructs, prior experience, and several adaptive outcomes. Participants (n = 204) completed a survey that assessed their perceived task value, self-efficacy, prior experience, and a collection of outcomes that included their satisfaction,…

Seeks to widen discussion about which forms of literacy are most appropriate for the education of children in the twenty-first century. Outlines the current debate about the changes to children's literacy practices. Argues that what is required from teachers is a transformative pedagogy. Notes how this would allow children's cultural interest to…

This study evaluated baccalaureate nursing (n = 35) and allied health care (AHC) (n = 25) students' perceptions of a 5-week Therapeutic Communication (TC) module that was part of their foundations coursework. The module allowed students to practice communication skills using iView[c], an innovative computer-based simulation of clinical encounters.…

Some students at the master-level viewed research methodology courses negatively. This study investigated six factors that changed attitudes of graduate school students toward research during the course of a semester at a mid-sized university (University X) located in a western state. To facilitate this study, a survey instrument (Student Research…

The authors examined the impact of a mandatory, coeducational sexual assault prevention program on college freshmen's rape myth attitudes. Data from 174 college freshmen required to attend the program indicated that, regardless of gender, the proposed sexual assault prevention program significantly decreased participants' rape myth acceptance…

The purpose of this study was to determine the immediate and long-term effectiveness of a university level conceptually-based health-related (CBHR) fitness course on health-related fitness (HRF) knowledge. Two hundred and seventy-seven students served as subjects. Subjects were grouped according to the following criteria. Group 1 represented…

Examined effects of diversity-related courses on the intergroup tolerance and sociopolitical beliefs of 131 undergraduate students at the University of Michigan before and after taking a required race and ethnicity course. Comparison with other students suggest that such courses can buffer students from declines in intergroup tolerance exhibited…

Presents a questionnaire that helps gather valuable information about students' attitudes toward mandatory placement in basic writing courses. Concludes that with the kind of information gleaned from responses to questionnaires similar to this one, educators can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of basic writing programs and revise…

Attitudes of nursing students in required (n=31) and elective (n=29) online courses were favorable both before and after courses. Preferences for online or classroom format remained stable; most preferred online. Those in elective courses were slightly more favorable, perhaps because of their high-stakes nature and students' first-year status. (SK)

Quantitative methods are an integral part of much sociological research. For that reason, many sociology departments require a course in statistics as part of an undergraduate major in sociology, and most faculty view the undergraduate statistics course as a valuable part of an undergraduate student's training in sociology. Unfortunately, most…

The purpose of this qualitative exploratory study was to investigate the perceived state of civics education as viewed by practicing teachers in three large high schools (each with a student enrollment of at least 2,200) in the midwestern and southeastern United States, in an effort to discover what teachers in different geographical regions deem…

Graduate students face numerous sources of anxiety. In order to explore students' stressors, student attitudes and anxiety toward two mandatory graduate counseling courses are examined here. All participants were students enrolled in either the Career Development or the Tests and Measurement course during the summer quarter (N=43; Mean Age=33…

This study evaluated the relationships between cognitive and affective taxonomic outcomes of a required college level course in personal health education. Additional purposes of the study were to: (1) devise valid assessment instruments to facilitiate measurement of cognitive achievement and affective change using the Taxonomy of Educational…

The University of Georgia (UGA) is one of the first universities in the United States to require that every undergraduate student complete an environmental literacy requirement (ELR). The ELR has been in place since 1993. Three students examined the ELR through formal and informal studies and surveys. Their results showed that students were…

This paper provides a descriptive account of a mandatory course in special education, and includes examples of the impact that teacher candidates report the course has on their attitudes towards students with special needs. The paper begins by describing the changes that were made at the University of Manitoba in the move towards a two-year…