The two-part activity outlined in this paper reveals to undergraduate students that assumptions made in theory building remain unquestioned until one steps outside the initial realm of expectations, and that theories adopted have a demonstrable impact on behaviors. Part I defines a theory, describes the roles of assumptions and knowledge in…

This study examined the academic advising process at Boise State University (Idaho) prior to implementation of "signatureless registration" (advisor's approval not necessary for course registration) and other changes in the advising process. Students (n=890) in 21 undergraduate classes responded to a survey about their advising…

Two teachers gathered psychology definitions from 1,000 college students enrolled in introductory psychology classes on the first and last days of class during two successive fall terms at the University of Tennessee. A word analysis of first-day definitions suggested three major themes: behavior, mind/brain, and environment. These terms showed…

The belief that students aren't sufficiently involved in their education is one reason for the surge of interest in undergraduate research. Research programs can be important tools for recruiting students. The program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology is described. (MLW)

Describes how active participation in research projects helps to recruit and retain students in scientific careers. Identifies the teaching methods used in an undergraduate research group in a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates. Focuses on the educational benefits received by the undergraduate. (CW)

The Mathematical Association of America's Committee on the Undergraduate Program in Mathematics (CUPM) is charged with making recommendations to guide mathematical sciences departments in designing undergraduate curricula. "Undergraduate Programs and Courses in the Mathematical Sciences: CUPM Curriculum Guide, 2004" is based on four years of work,…

A study examined undergraduate student (n=310) attitudes and expectations about future parenting experiences, particularly their attitudes regarding the gender preference for their first child. Findings revealed that female college students were more likely to predict having a son as their first child. A strong preference for boys (92%) was…

"The Condition of Education" summarizes important developments and trends in education using the latest data available. The 2002 edition included a special analysis that describes nontraditional undergraduates in terms of their demographic characteristics, enrollment patterns, ways of combining school and work, participation in distance education,…

This guide is designed to help college teachers plan their undergraduate courses and deliver high-quality instruction. It covers course planning, learning and memory, the essentials of teaching, and professional and ethical issues. The chapters are: (1) "Course Planning"; (2) "Understanding Attention and Working Memory"; (3) "Learning and…

Many colleges and universities provide grant aid to undergraduates to help them pay for all or part of the tuition and fees charged by the institution. This study provides information about recent trends in institutional aid receipt and then examines the relationship between such aid and the likelihood of recipients staying enrolled in the…

This study explored how adult students define success in college and their perceptions of factors that either support or hinder achievement of this success. Thirteen returning adult students at two institutions were interviewed using a grounded theory approach. Data were analyzed inductively and iteratively to identify persistent themes. Students…

Described is a research study comparing the achievement of undergraduate biology students in individual investigations with and without written guidelines for problem formulation. The authors conclude that the problem formulation stage is crucial to the success of student investigations. The quality of students problems improved significantly with…

Presents the results of a study, based on student test scores, that explored the effects of teaching students about learning strategies. Focuses on students (n=65) in two separate sections of introductory psychology classes where one section was taught about learning strategies and the other was not. (CMK)

Discusses a game in which students must guess the flavor of LifeSaver candy without the aid of sight and smell. Explains that this demonstration assists students to understand the phenomenon of random occurrences. Describes how the presentation is conducted as well as the outcomes of the demonstration. (CMK)

Examines student grade expectations throughout a semester in which students offered their expectations three times during the course: (1) within the first week; (2) midway through the semester; and (3) the week before the final examination. Finds that their expectations decreased stating that their cumulative grade point average was related to the…