Describes a cooperative effort between a graduate-degree program and the reference department of a university library to strengthen graduate students' information literacy by teaching them to make effective use of both print and electronic research sources. (Author/MSE)

A study investigated the effect of classroom assessment techniques (CATs) on both content and process of college students' learning. Instructors ask students to provide regular, anonymous feedback about their understanding of course material and the effectiveness of class structure. Comments of students in biology, business management, political…

A study at one school of business administration investigated the use, in a survey of graduating seniors, of open-ended questions to elicit information to help evaluate and improve teaching. Student concerns and faculty responses, methodology for textual analysis of student responses, and a comparison of this approach with more conventional…

In a college course on diversity in the workplace, students' experiences with conducting a cultural audit of the university as a workplace illustrate the dilemmas that can arise when students conduct action research in a real client system. Despite the inherent problems, the project resulted in significant student learning about the subject and…

A University of South Carolina program provides marine science students with learning opportunities that merge research and undergraduate study. In three semesters, students mastered complex scientific concepts and important professional skills such as critical and independent thinking, teamwork, and problem solving. Student/faculty and…

Discusses integration of Lev Vygotsky's theory of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) with the instructional strategy of cooperative learning. ZPD provides a conceptual basis for explaining the five basic tenets of cooperative learning: positive interdependence; face-to-face interaction; individual accountability; small-group and interpersonal…

Few college teachers understand the process learners go through during periods of insight, large or small. Many treat this transition from one paradigm of knowledge to another as purely cognitive when, in fact, it is also highly emotional. A model of the transition is presented and a reflective guide is offered to help teachers facilitate this…

Discusses the basis of a classification scheme for types of case studies. Four major classification headings are identified: (1) individual assignment; (2) lecture; (3) discussion; and (4) small group activities. Describes each heading from the point of view of several teaching methods. (DDR)

Details a project designed to bolster the quality of astronomy education through teacher workshops. Workshop topics include the solar system, stars, stellar evolution, galaxies, and cosmology. The Learning Approach Questionnaire (LAQ) is used to determine the effects of the workshops. (DDR)

Argues that students are conditioned by years of multiple-choice testing to use only simple recall and view knowledge as an uncataloged museum full of independent facts that are collected, recited, and left to gather dust. (DDR)

Speculates on the place of computers and defining the student-computer relationship within the context of biology education. Discusses the value of computer simulations. (DDR)

Describes a semester-long activity added to traditional homework assignments in which students complete a project that brings art together with science and mathematics. Students may choose any one of a combination of different art forms. (DDR)

Outlines a program that involves prospective teachers in three science content courses on earth, life, and physical science accompanied by educational seminars, a science methods course, and student teaching with an educator trained to work with prospective science teachers. (DDR)

Describes a course that focuses on the practice of science as it is done by professionals in specific disciplines and offers opportunities to communicate the connections and relationships among the scientific disciplines. (DDR)

Traces the development of a senior level course for biology majors the integrates curriculum studies with critical analysis of current biology research and communication skills. Objectives for the course include understanding the scientific method and assessing and using information sources. (DDR)