Describes a tool for teaching and learning that helps develop needed communication and negotiation competencies in future administrators: coauthorship, or collaborative writing. Specifically, describes the use of coauthorship in two different educational leadership classes. (EV)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the Classroom Performance System (CPS), which uses infrared remotes to allow students to answer in-class questions anonymously. Found no dramatic improvement in students' lesson preparation or performance; however, CPS did greatly facilitate using pop quizzes and class questions, improved instructors' ability to…

Describes a Teaching Discussion Group in the University of Northern Iowa's Mathematics Department; the group is designed to facilitate discussion among faculty about teaching techniques. Discusses the group's rationale, formation, structure, benefits, challenges, and lessons for other such programs. (EV)

Encourages the use of authentic tasks and assessment rubrics to round out the assessment of student learning in many college courses. Provides a rationale for these methods and offers several rubrics than can be used in a variety of courses. (EV)

A study of a national population of 103 higher education institutions is addressing the question: What criteria can be used to identify the level of implementation of reform in an undergraduate science course? Results of a survey characterizing the institutions and a review of literature initially suggest reform course characteristics. (Contains 1…

Attitudes toward science may develop as early as middle school and often differ between genders. Do these gender-based differences in attitude persist into the college years? In a survey of 376 university students, male students reported a stronger self-concept, more motivation, and more enjoyment of science than did female students, and female…

Using primary literature in undergraduate science classes helps teach students both scientific information and process. However, students' lack of understanding of scientific techniques can hinder their understanding of the papers. This article describes a "technique module" that uses peer teaching and active learning to facilitate integration of…

The International Polar Year-Research and Educational Opportunities in Antarctica for Minorities (IPY-ROAM) program was designed to increase minority participation in polar science by immersing participants in an academic program that included a trip to Antarctica. The IPY-ROAM program was focused on increasing public understanding of the polar…

This study is an experimental introduction of web-based lecture delivery into a majors-level introductory biology course. Web-based delivery, achieved through the use of prerecorded Voice-Over PowerPoint video lectures, was introduced on a limited basis to an experimental section while a control group, with the same instructor, received standard…

The K-W-L method of teaching is a simple method that actively engages students in their own learning. It has been used with kindergarten and elementary grades to teach other subjects. The authors have successfully used it to teach physics at the college level. In their introductory physics labs, the K-W-L method helped students think about what…

The authors examined student and faculty opinions regarding the use of detailed learning goals in three courses. Students reported the use of learning goals to be positive, aiding them with studying, in lectures, and in determining the important material to learn. Likewise, faculty indicated that using learning goals was a positive experience,…

What is it about small groups that make them so powerful? The answer is straightforward: Groups tend to solve problems better than even the brightest individuals because "many hands make light work," and "two heads are better than one." This is especially true when the groups are diverse and individuals act somewhat independently. In this month's…

This article describes a research study in which a biologist and his research on Antarctic seabirds became part of an integrated science course for prospective elementary teachers. Students used the scientist's database on seabird chick growth rates for an experimental design investigation while the "regular" classes had a single science educator…

We've all gotten them--the student emails that make you question your decision to get into this profession. The title of this column says it all. If we want students to meet our expectations, we must give them instruction on what we expect. Technology should be used to help us meet our academic goals, not just to cater to students' love of…

Hypotheses of population genetics are derived and tested by students in the introductory genetics laboratory classroom as they explore the effects of biotic variables (physical traits of fruit flies) and abiotic variables (island size and distance) on fruit fly populations. In addition to this hypothesis-driven experiment, the development of…