Curriculum vitae for college faculty can be ambiguous and even misleading: they can obscure an individual's primary teaching and instructional achievements, tell less than they appear to, and convey an unintended message. Faculty should evaluate the clarity and force with which their vitae express their accomplishments and mirror their abilities.…

The Miami University (Ohio) School of Interdisciplinary Studies has implemented a program of quantitative thinking across the curriculum. Four aspects of quantitative reasoning (learning from data, quantitative expression, evidence and assertions, and quantitative intuition) are developed in the core curriculum as a foundation for further…

One technique for teaching college-level report writing consists of an essay that students use as a model for their own writing. This model, in turn, contains guidelines for composing a short essay, from title and subheadings to sentence and paragraph structure, word selection, errors to avoid, and revision. (MSE)

The use of paraprofessional editors to evaluate student writing, particularly in large college classes, allows teachers to give students more writing practice, provides more individual assistance for students, and helps teachers gain insight into student needs. Adoption of uniform criteria for evaluation also provides consistency and objectivity.…

In the "new," more culturally diverse university, traditional discourse and argument will be challenged. This is already occurring in feminist theories of rhetoric, in non-Western forms of discourse, and in competing approaches to expression within a discipline. The validity of nontraditional modes of thought and style must be reconsidered. (MSE)

In one college course in colonial history, students read and review one of several designated books, then share their reviews with small groups at the culmination of study of that topic. Discussion groups then answer and discuss synthesis questions about the books. Student response to the approach has been positive. (MSE)

It is proposed that, in the current constructivist approach to learning, the teacher's role is less that of transmitting knowledge, more that of facilitating learning in less directive ways. Techniques for promoting active learning, guided reciprocal peer-questioning, and cooperative learning in the college classroom based on this approach are…

One college math anxiety reduction clinic uses various techniques to change student attitudes toward math, including publicity and consciousness raising about the problem, having students write their "math autobiographies," group discussion and support, a divided-page exercise for recording feelings of anxiety, and assertiveness training for math…

Introductory college science courses, particularly those intended for freshmen, are challenging to teach because teachers are trying to inspire student interest. Using visual aids, even homemade, listening carefully to students, understanding that some will fail, encouraging those who have special ability or potential, and developing course…

Participating in research is valuable for the undergraduate college student's development in the sciences. Students can observe the professor's typical behavior as he leads the research effort as well as learn and practice research ideas and techniques. Financial support is needed for this kind of research involvement. (MSE)

A Brooklyn College (New York) science course for nonmajors includes a unit on drugs and poisons using material from television news, investigative reporting, and fictional series. The films make some of the more abstract course material palatable and interesting, and enhances awareness of the hazards and benefits of chemicals. (MSE)

End-of-term assignments proven to be successful alternatives to college term papers include abstracts of journal articles on assigned topics, book reviews, group papers and projects, thought papers presented to class, and take-home final examinations. They change the professor's role form authority to facilitator and are worth the time spent…

A unit in a college course on technology and human values involves the students' questioning of traditional Western values as they relate to technological rationalism, calling dominant ideology into question. The approach is based on Paulo Freire's problem-posing pedagogy, and incorporates analysis of selected paintings from the Futurist movement.…

In response to high attrition in accounting courses, Hudson Valley Community College began a "late start" program for students otherwise inclined to drop or fail the course, in which students can begin again up to four weeks after the semester is under way, at no cost. Results have been encouraging. (MSE)

If the United States is to benefit from the contributions of international teaching assistants in the classroom, both domestic and foreign students must develop a reciprocal understanding of behaviors and expectations. Both parties need to adapt teaching and learning behaviors and should have more interaction. (MSE)