Presents a rigorous version of the model of an increasing-cost competitive industry. Explains that in this model firms are infinitesimal, which justifies price-taking behavior and a continuous industry supply curve. Shows that the industry supply curve slopes upward because of dispersion in the efficiency of firms. Emphasizes role of marginal…

Investigates the relationship between student absenteeism during a principles of microeconomics course and subsequent performance on examinations. Finds that students who missed class on a given date were significantly more likely to respond incorrectly to questions relating to material covered that day than students who attended class. (RLH)

Explains that econometrics is an intellectual game played by rules based on the sampling distribution concept. Contains explanations for why many students are uncomfortable with econometrics. Encourages instructors to use explain-how-to-bootstrap exercises to promote student understanding. (RLH)

Finds through surveys in 1995 and 2000 that, despite some indications of increased emphasis and interest in teaching over this period, the teaching methods in economics courses have changed very little over the past five years and are still dominated by chalk and talk classroom presentations. (RLH)

Discusses seven issues affecting assessment: (1) selection of texts, (2) use of oral and written assignments, (3) characteristics of grades and evaluation, (4) opportunities for self-assessment, (5) retention of learning, (6) psychology of students, and (7) the development of new tests. Suggests ways that economics faculty can improve assessment…

Reports findings that support the utility of the self-concordance model as an alternative approach to studying depression among Vietnamese and European American college students. Finds that Vietnamese Americans reported higher levels of depression than did the European American students. Includes references. (CMK)

The proportion of adult undergraduates to adult populations in the 50 states was calculated. Cross-sectoral analysis identified state characteristics that correlated with participation rates. Best predictors were availability of undergraduate education, educational technology efforts, the population's level of educational attainment, budget…

Addresses the relationship between teaching and research within geography. Focuses specifically on undergraduate teaching. Argues that the teaching-research relationship must be explored in the context of research and scholarly literature. Provides suggestions on how to deliver teaching-research relationships. Includes references. (CMK)

Describes a series of eight guides, "Key Skills in Geography in Higher Education," published by the Geography Discipline Network. States that the series is produced by the United Kingdom Department for Education and Employment's "Key Skills in Higher Education" development fund. (CMK)

Describes a mock trial focused on Jack Kevorkian and an euthanasia case that was included in a psychology and law course. Discusses the course format, provides the reactions to the mock trial by students and consultants, and includes suggestions for improving the mock trial. (CMK)

Discusses a means for increasing undergraduate and graduate students' level of empathy. Assigned students to write about and role play a character that they create who suffers from a psychological disorder. Explains that after quantitative and qualitative analyses it was demonstrated that students' empathy increased. (CMK)

Presents results of a study that evaluated using popular movie clips, shown in the first class meeting of an abnormal psychology course, in relation to student enthusiasm. Compares two classes of female juniors, one using clips and one class not using them. States that the films portrayed psychological disorders. (CMK)

The teaching of physics as an integral part of an undergraduate oceanography course is described. A general outline of oceanography and the corresponding physics topics is given. The objectives, organization, and difficulties of such a course are discussed. (CW)

Discussed is the preparation of synthetic brochantite from solution and a thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis study of the thermal decomposition of this compound. Other analyses included are chemical analysis and IR spectroscopy. Experimental procedures and results are presented. (CW)

Examines the importance of cultural literacy for the mastery of introductory sociology. Administers cultural literacy test to 709 undergraduate students. Finds that females and Blacks score lower than non-Black males, but women subsequently exhibit higher overall academic performance. The Cultural Literacy Test is appended. (NL)