Provides practical, research-based suggestions for improving reading and writing skills of college science students. Describes characteristics of skilled science readers. Explains how to select reading materials that make sense and what teachers can do to improve reading assignments. Lists traits of skilled science readers and offers suggestions…

Describes a college course that integrates science and literature. The primary focus is on the role of metaphor in scientific and literary thinking. Discusses literary works used and how they are related to science instruction. Describes the class format and rules for conducting the class. Student reaction to this course was strongly positive. (PR)

Describes a teaching assistant (TA) training program to improve quality of a college physics course. Presents the goals and structures of the physics course and the TA training program. Describes the formative evaluation procedure and its role in developing the training model. Concludes that students in the physics class valued the recitation and…

Authors discuss how computer laboratory interfacing has revolutionized their nonscience-major introductory chemistry course. Discusses the advantages of doing away with the "cookbook" approach to laboratory experimentation. Presents an evaluation of the course approach including the finding that over 75 percent of the students felt that doing…

Describes a newsletter produced by the science education program at Louisiana State University that serves as an information conduit for the university's science departments. The newsletter fills an information void by identifying science seminar opportunities, innovative teaching projects, and grant activity on the campus. (PR)

Describes the function, management and facilities of the Physics Tutorial Center (PTC) at North Carolina State University. A primary function of the PTC is to provide immediate and individualized response to learning problems identified by the students. The operational philosophy is to guide the student to the solution by asking questions and not…

This article describes problems of junior science faculty members and suggests recommendations explaining how mentoring and role modeling can be supplied to assist faculty members with ascending the "faculty ladder." (PR)

Summarizes the report on undergraduate education in biology published by the National Science Foundation. Discusses the problems and recommended solutions for each of three areas: laboratories and course development; enhancing the quality of teaching; and recruitment and retention of students. (YP)

Claims scientific literacy is important for all college students, including nonscience majors. Discusses issues related to scientific literacy and courses that include scientific literacy. (YP)

Describes a course, "Exercise Physiology and Biochemistry," for nonscience majors attracted to athletics. Outlines the lecture and laboratories combined with the lecture. Provides programs for daily exercise and weight training. (YP)

Describes an undergraduate research program for minority students. The program and eight objectives of the first course of the program, "Introduction to Research," are presented. Some strengths and weaknesses of the course are considered. (YP)

Discusses the use of self-directed learning in a large group class. Describes a workshop for developing group communication skills. (YP)

Discusses five strategies to use in creating an environment that will foster the development of critical thinking. To make thinking the subject of instruction; focusing on the key aspects of higher-order thinking; providing opportunities for continual, explicit practice; questioning and developing an investigative nature; and reinforcing the…

Presented are the highlights and an analysis of The Neal Report on undergraduate science education. Included are an overview of the report and discussions and recommendations on laboratories; curriculum; industry/academic coupling; centers for instructional research and development; faculty exchange; teaching internships; and undergraduate women,…

Described is a one-semester interdisciplinary course for upper division undergraduate students. Discussed are keynote speakers, course content, reading materials, evaluation of students, and course modifications. An advertisement for the course and a copy of the course outline are included. (CW)