Presents some general characteristics of "older" students and describes courses and instructional strategies in the physical sciences related to these characteristics. (SK)

Presents the testimony of Donald McCurdy, president of NSTA, to the subcommittee on science, research, and technology of the U.S. House of Representatives concerning the budget proposed by President Reagan, which if adopted, would end any involvement of NSF in the science education programs in U.S. colleges and universities. (Author/SK)

Analyzes a National Science Foundation report, "Science and Engineering Education for the 1980s and Beyond," prepared for the President and Department of Education. Provides information on the status of science and engineering education in the United States. (Author/SK)

The first/second laws of thermodynamics are usually presented as straight physics. Local problems (such as heat engines) may be assigned but seldom is any effort made to examine universal human problems. Considering moral implications of these laws makes them relevant to students, gaining their attention and easing instruction. (Author/JN)

Increased student involvement using a feedback lecture format demonstrated that lectures can be more active and assignments can be tailor-made for students. Guided learning activities (managed by a feedback lecture study guide) are used prior to, during, and after lectures. (Author/JN)

Discusses guided design teaching method, applications in secondary/higher education, and the formation of a center to foster guided design as a viable instructional strategy. Guided design course activities are organized around the solution of open-ended problems to provide for the systematic development of decision-making skills. (Author/JN)

An instructional system at the University of Maine (Orono) was developed to address problems unique to this institution. The system consists of biology instructional modules, variable pacing through computer-generated examinations, and variable credit. Although lectures were initially eliminated, they were reinitiated to motivate students and help…

Discusses an audio-tutorial anatomy and physiology course which was no more expensive to establish and operate than a traditional course. Topics include development of audio-tutorial materials, construction of facilities, space use, staffing, development of computer programs, and computer costs. (Author/JN)

Describes steps for in-house production of Super-8 mediated learning packages for automotive and life science courses. The individualized instructional format of the packages encourages student interaction, provides hands-on experience in skill development, allows students to proceed at their own pace, and enables students to enter a course at any…

Describes management, evaluation, and advantages of a Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) approach with third-year students in engineering mathematics. (JN)

Study aids have been developed in a format allowing students to assimilate partial answers slowly, without consulting the whole answer. Discusses rationale and advantages of using the aids and provides three examples demonstrating logical thinking required to solve short-answer problem and use in multistep mechanistic or synthetic problems.…

Congressman Doug Walgren (D-PA) comments on various issues related to science and engineering education, suggesting that there is a major deterioration for the entire educational enterprise, particularly in the technical areas. Focuses on National Science Foundation (NSF) programs, funding, and current legislative recommendations. (Author/JN)

Discusses college and university learning resource centers, emphasizing the use of computer-based materials in the centers. Topics/issues addressed include advantages of computer use, lack of suitable materials, material evaluation, and criteria for good computer-based learning materials. (Author/JN)

Describes a chemistry course designed to meet needs of students who score well on Advanced Placement Chemistry examinations but who might experience difficulty if placed directly into a second-term course. The one-semester course includes substantially all work in Chemistry 1 and 2 (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute) and features a flexible,…

Theses proposed in C. P. Snow's book "The Two Cultures," including uncommunicative scientific and literary groups, gap between rich and poor, overpopulation, and nuclear war remain viable topics. Discusses the scientific and literary cultural gap and what can be done in general studies science courses to ameliorate the condition. (Author/JN)