Discusses ways to improve postsecondary library instruction based on theories of active learning. Topics include a historical background of active learning; student achievement and attitudes; cognitive development; risks; active teaching; and instructional techniques, including modified lectures, brainstorming, small group work, cooperative…

Study profiled excellent lecturers and discussion leaders from the perspective of 30 undergraduate students. As predicted, level of instructor interpersonal skills, focus on student personal/professional growth and on encouraging independent thinking/research were rated highly and considered more characteristic of excellent discussion leaders than…

Although there has been a considerable amount of work evaluating the effects of different (non-traditional) instructional styles, inquiries into students' preferences of instructional style have been few. From 1998-2001, we surveyed introductory statistics students regarding various aspects of their class preferences, especially the teaching style…

This article presents a case study of the impact on student learning of introducing an electronic voting system (EVS) into large-group lectures for first-year undergraduate students undertaking degrees in marketing and business systems. We discuss the potential for using EVS-style interactive lectures in marketing and business programmes. We then…

This study investigated the effects of college students' actual, rather than manipulated, perception of control along with expressive instruction, as they relate to cognitive and emotional aspects of academic achievement. In a simulated college classroom study, 228 male and female introductory psychology students at the University of Manitoba…

This study explored differences between students studying introductory statistics in a strictly lecture type setting against those in an environment where the lectures are driven by computer software. A 20-item multiple-choice questionnaire was developed covering the main concepts of a first course in statistics. Included were questions on the…

College teaching and learning were studied with respect to students' preferences for learning and motivation as they relate to various instructional methods used in teacher education. A traditional lecture format and the cooperative group discussion teaching method were compared within a specific college population. Participants (N=20), students…

Many students are not actively engaged in learning in mathematics classrooms. The purpose of this study was to develop understandings about student engagement with the mathematics curriculum and its influence on student engagement. The research was conducted in two seventh-grade classes taught by the same teacher, who used direct instruction. The…

The effectiveness of two alternative attitude change strategies--a traditional persuasive strategy and a combined attributional/persuasive strategy--in altering attitudes toward nuclear disarmament were compared. Seventeen male and 39 female undergraduate students at a small university participated. A nuclear disarmament attitude pretest was…

This project investigates the relationship between student performance, past mathematics experience, and perceptions of statistics education for two groups of university students studying statistics in different learning environments. One group received the traditional form of teaching with lectures, whereas the other group studied in a more…

TO TEST THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A CURRICULUM GUIDE TO BE USED AS THE BASIS FOR HUMANITIES COURSES, THE PENNSYLVANIA HUMANITIES COMMISSION ENCOURAGED VOLUNTARY AND SELF-DIRECTIVE PILOT STUDIES IN 10 SCHOOLS DURING 1965-66. CLASSROOM SESSIONS WERE OBSERVED AND SCHOOL PRINCIPALS, HUMANITIES TEACHERS, AND SMALL GROUP OF PARTICIPATING STUDENTS WERE…

An examination was undertaken of a programed-study procedure employing behavior theory concepts in teaching undergraduate course material. Study units were constructed, containing a specific reading assignment and study guide questions. When the student felt himself to be ready, he was given a test. Progress through the course was contingent upon…

Since 1999, and as part of an Ameritech grant, the author has systematically investigated use of streaming media to enhance face-to-face classes. Technology invites experimentation but raises questions about such things as student acceptance, student use, academic performance, and what to do with class time when lectures are put online. Students…

Surveyed 1200 students in a second semester general chemistry course at Purdue. Investigates areas where student and faculty perceptions of the content of chemistry courses differ. Elaborates on each area and suggests explanations for the findings involved. (MVL)

Describes study that investigated the difference between computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and traditional lecture instruction in teaching an office technology course. The effects of CAI on student achievement and student attitudes is discussed, hypotheses tested and pretests and posttests are described, and further research needs are suggested.…