The development of institutional research is traced and changing patterns are explored. The organization and activities of the Association for Institutional Research are described, along with a consideration of the proper role of institutional research in the future of higher education. (Author/LBH)

A research program at Trinity College in Ireland is reported that focused on the decision-making process, particularly the committee structure. Described are the role of individuals within committees, centralized versus decentralized decision-making, costs, sources of rigidity, and problems of the concentration of power. (Author/LBH)

Few educators understand the exact nature and scope of alternative graduate programs or the variety of issues that confront their development and viability. Alternative graduate education is defined and the issues and critical concepts of nontraditional graduate study are identified. (Author/MLW)

Both the content and process of graduate education promote adult development. Graduate programs, particularly nontraditional programs, can both address the growing adult and uphold relevant standards of intellectual excellence and professional expertise. Life phases, developmental stages, and learning styles are three domains that are described.…

Networking is a process in which people and resources are engaged through intentional acts based upon acquired skills. The term is associated with self-directed learning and can serve as a collaborative rather than a competitive educational principle. "People" and "program" networks for graduate education and identification of networking skills…

Although undergraduates often earn academic credit for prior learning, graduate students are rarely afforded that opportunity, with Central Michigan University and the University of Northern Colorado as exceptions. Both the American Council on Education and the Council for the Advancement of Experiential Learning support experiential learning in…

The Quad-Cities Graduate Study Center in Rock Island, Illinois, a voluntary, publicly funded, academic consortium, is described. It was incorporated as an experimental project to determine if pooling institutional resources were academically, financially, and administratively possible. It is now a model of inter-institutional cooperation providing…

The Institute for Personal and Career Development of Central Michigan University has been administering graduate external degree programs for eight years. A survey of graduates is discussed that reveals: satisfaction with program, personal and career development, and accomplishment of educational goals and objectives of program. (Author/MLW)

Despite the weaknesses of the accreditation process, it is suggested that nontraditional graduate programs should seek full accreditation. Some conditions leading to support of accreditation are discussed: (1) motivation to belong, (2) reasonable cost of accrediting, (3) governance structure, (4) qualitative standards, (5) effective administrative…

Alternative graduate education is explored from the perspective of one student who has participated in two nontraditional programs. Issues highlighted include: changing roles and responsibilities for faculty and students, problems with shared decision making, need for team building and problem solving, and importance of open communication.…

Describes the three phases of the development of the pilot project on science concepts learning which was designed to be implemented nationally by the participating countries of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO). (HM)

Discusses the possible impact of the electronic calculator on mathematics teaching. A short account of the use of calculators at present in the United Kingdom (UK) and a list of references are also included. (HM)

Discusses trends in training chemistry teachers. Outlines the traditional review of teacher training and describes a three-component model, linking theory, training, and practice with new developments such as the Science Teacher Education Project (STEP). (Author/HM)

Presents the role of RECSAM, the Regional Center for Education in Science and Mathematics of Southeast Asia, in the production of low-cost teaching/learning aids and in training key educators at the elementary level. (HM)

Presents short descriptions of some research projects in science and mathematics education which have been conducted in the following countries in Southeast Asia: Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand. (HM)