Vanderbilt University (Tennessee) involves students in faculty research projects to enrich the undergraduate experience. The summer program offers stipends to students to work with faculty or graduate students on specific projects. Students are exposed to the processes of research and better able to choose or reject a research career. (MSE)

In this article, the authors investigate how incorporation of moral and civic goals into the curriculum affects the students' capacity to contribute productively to the world. Case studies of a dozen different types of higher education institutions show that purposefully building moral and civic learning into the heart of undergraduate education…

In this practicum, a curriculum is developed for a course in computer literacy for freshmen students in the department of Visual Communications of a private college in south Florida. The target group is 21 students out of a class enrollment of 50 used to decide the effectiveness of the course. Objectives for these students were that they would:…

In response to some educators' advocacy of a return to a "core curriculum" (a specific set of courses required by all degree-bound college students), this book maintains that the simple acquisition of broad-based knowledge is not the solution to the complex and difficult problems in higher education today. It presents views of the "educated…

This is a report of the National Advisory Groups of Sigma Xi to explore the nature and quality of undergraduate education in science, mathematics, and engineering and to identify the significant topics and issues that should be addressed in charting a policy for undergraduate education. The topics identified are: (1) "Quality of Instruction"…

The results of several studies of the humanities and social sciences in undergraduate engineering education are presented and discussed. The first chapter explains the value of humanities and social sciences coursework and describes briefly some of the obstacles confronting efforts to improve it. The second chapter summarizes the findings of two…

This article describes the development of an undergraduate psychology program in human factors engineering (the application of psychological principles to systems/technology development and usage). The need for such programs, as evidenced by the positive reactions of industry and academia to the program at Kearney State College, Kearney, Nebraska,…

Movements calling for reform in undergraduate education and the initiative for civic responsibility are traced, demonstrating that they have mutual concerns and self-interests. Though largely separate from and unknown to each other, their complementarity provides the basis for joint action. By integrating efforts to increase student involvement in…

Eight programs are described that are representative of the variety of approaches to the problem of integrating the sciences and humanities. The reason why integration of science, humanities, and the social sciences is important in the undergraduate learning experience is addressed in an essay by George W. Hazzard entitled, "Knowledge…

This set of five essays explores the pros and cons of undergraduate core curricula in colleges and universities. Core curricula are seen as either providing the ideal educational base and a shared background, or as a loss of diversity and a protective shell that faculties can use to avoid considering the relevance of a liberal arts education. (JMD)

While recent reports on the improvement of college curricula and instructional quality have inspired higher education leaders, Wingspread conference participants see obstacles to reform in conflicts over accountability, campus-government relationships, and even the existence of a crisis in academe. (MSE)

Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL) focuses on transforming undergraduate science, mathematics, engineering, and technology programs and draws faculty from across disciplinary lines. The project report provides an overview of the project; a section that traces the project from problem definition to project conclusion and discusses administrative pitfalls;…

This project supported the creation of a computer-based interactive text for linear algebra using guided discovery in a laboratory-based course which emphasized active learning, collaborative learning, and the use of writing. This pedagogical approach had as its goal improved student understanding and retention of the concepts and methods of…

The Special Intensive Program for Scientists and Engineers (SIPSE) at Diablo Valley College in California replaces the traditional engineering calculus and physics sequences with a single sequence that combines the two subjects into an integrated whole. The project report provides an overview of SIPSE, a section that traces the project from…

Students in 15 social work programs at all levels were studied to determine the effect of research experience on their knowledge and attitudes. Student feelings about the importance of research, its usefulness, and conviction about its validity were investigated. The importance of research and skepticism about is seem to be in conflict. (MSE)