The objectives of this handbook, prepared by and for instructors at the Community College of Vermont (CCV), are to assist in course planning, in keeping courses lively and pertinent throughout the term, and in evaluating student learning. The first section provides background information on the college, its history, its educational philosophy, its distinctive features, its competence-based approach to instruction, its largely adult, part-time student population, and what CCV requires of its faculty. The second section seeks to help the instructors "get started" by answering the following questions: What should I be thinking about as I prepare for my course? What resources are available to the students and to me? How can I incorporate learning skills and degree competencies into my course and teach the subject area? What aids are available in helping me organize potential objectives? What should my objectives be? The third section provides suggestions more closely related to teaching the course; these fall in the areas of creating a good learning environment, approaching homework with adult students, fostering student involvement, lecturing effectively, utilizing guest speakers and audio-visual aids, sensing instructional effectiveness, and dealing with difficult students. The final section discusses and makes recommendations concerning narrative student evaluations. (AYC)