An alternative method for teaching a three-credit, undergraduate library instruction course for students other than library science majors was explored at Southern Connecticut State University. It was believed that traditional methods of instruction--e.g., lecturing in libraries and using paper handouts--were colorless, failed to engage students,…

The purpose of this study was to determine whether existing instrumentation is capable of identifying learning style differences within and among college students. Focusing upon methodology, rather than processing, the Renzulli/Smith Learning Style Inventory (RSLI) was administered to 115 sophomores and juniors. The RSLSI was developed to assess…

This practical reference guide for college faculty who teach large classes is presented, based on a workshop on improving teaching and learning in large classes. The workshop involved weekly meetings for the academic year, 1981-82, at Colorado State University. The following problems of teaching and learning in large classes were identified: (1)…

Two research studies conducted at the bilingual Hostos Community College of the City University of New York suggest that the classroom performance of adult, advanced, and post English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students benefits from the students' participation in tutor-led groups that focus on a particular course's content and employ talk and…

Though lecturing reflects the outmoded view that communication consists of action rather than transaction, large lecture classes are a reality that must be engaged. An interpersonal communication course can be adapted to the lecture hall and need not include the traditional lecture as the only teaching method. Students should be allowed to…

The use of different instructional methods/materials in a college course on the behavioral aspects of drug action (caffeine) was studied at the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada. The course employed the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI). Although students were highly successful in completing the course, student evaluations indicated…

A guide to good lecturing is presented for medical school teachers. It is suggested that the first step in encouraging active listening is to fulfill a clearly stated purpose. The lecturer is advised to ask the following questions: What is the listener supposed to know as a result of the lecture? What is the listener supposed to feel, value, or…

The study of science involves learning the processes of science as well as its content. The recent revival of interest in developing thinking skills has encouraged added emphasis on process skills instruction. A science teacher wanting to add instruction of process skills is faced with several problems: (1) texts and lab manuals are not likely to…

The current status and frequency of nonmajor biology courses offered in colleges and universities in the United States and Canada were investigated. A random sample of 300 four-year colleges was sent a questionnaire and a request for copies of their syllabi for nonmajor biology courses and other nonmajor science courses. Of the 134 respondents,…

The simulation-gaming approach to college introductory economics courses benefits students who possess a certain combination of cognitive learning styles. The Cognitive Style Questionnaire, administered to 120 freshmen, identified those students who obtain meaning from spoken words, numerals, or mathematical symbols; have the ability to place…

Findings are reported from two descriptive studies of preservice teacher education students' conceptual change in response to reading methods instruction. The first study, involving 14 preservice teachers, focused on how students applied what was taught in the reading methods course; the second study (14 participants) examined students' conceptual…

Aptitude treatment interaction (ATI) for the two most widely used science teaching strategies (lecture method and lecture method augmented with classroom activities) was investigated. The aptitude variables examined were cognitive ability level expressed in Piagetian terms and cognitive learning style (field independence/dependence). A sample of…

Brief, two-page papers are presented on 33 educational topics of interest to community college faculty, administrators, and staff. The following topics are considered: (1) strengthening the humanities; (2) common behavioral cycles evidenced in student-teacher relations; (3) irreducible factors for teaching and learning; (4) understanding problems…

Major elements involved in lecturing are considered, and the views of six professors concerning lecturing are included. The importance of preparing the lecture and being thoroughly familiar with the material are stressed. Adequate preparation eliminates the need for the professor to read notes during the lecture. The need to be sensitive to…

This paper describes a college course in the Human Science Approach (HSA) to psychology offered in seminar format. The importance of instructor-student equality and feedback is emphasized and lecture sessions are described in which students are encouraged to interrupt for questions and discussions. The major goal of the course is described as…