Analysis of the state of public higher education in the United States focuses on government financing of higher education, the high costs of both government and good education, and student attitudes toward their education. A new general education curriculum design at the University of Chicago (Illinois), designed to alleviate some of these…

A study of almost a thousand graduates of 14 diverse colleges and universities investigated the extent and nature of their post-college educational and lifelong learning efforts and, based on this information, whether colleges and universities could provide appropriate and adequate educational opportunities for interested alumni. (Originally…

Reviews research on teacher education, focusing on studies of the relationship between student achievement and high school grades, junior college transfers, gender, fraternities/sororities, attendance, student evaluation of faculty, and problems of teaching method in teacher education. (Originally published in 1930) (MSE)

The life and works of poet Robert Frost are examined for insights into his philosophy concerning higher education, particularly formal education, his own style of teaching, perceptions of the teacher's role within and outside the classroom, and the relationship between student and teacher. (Originally published in 1936) (MSE)

A 1929 University of Washington initiative to have students evaluate their classes and instructors is described in detail and analyzed, looking at the construction of the survey, criteria used to assess instruction, use made of the survey's results, and assessment of improvements found in the next semester. (Originally published in 1932) (MSE)

Changes in the role of the university up to 1932 are discussed, focusing on the growing complexity of the curriculum, the trend toward specialization, changes in the scholarly environment, political and social events, and inquiry by the American Association of University Professors into the university faculty's new and future role. (Originally…

A study of 16,837 faculty members at 219 colleges and universities in 42 states found great variation in the extent to which faculties were hiring their own institution's graduates as teachers. Six institutions showed no such "inbreeding," whereas seven had over 60% inbreeding. (Originally published in 1935) (MSE)

A professor of education examines ways in which teacher-education courses often violate the principles they advocate, and proposes gradual reorganization of teacher education to provide for students' independent views of educational philosophy and individual differences in interests, to offer effective guidance leading to self-directedness, and to…

A study investigated the appearance and development of the office of the dean in colleges of arts and sciences in America since 1860. A survey of 32 diverse institutions looked at the date the position was established, relationship to other administrative offices, and deans' teaching responsibilities, educational background, and length of tenure.…

Examines the evolution of American higher education institutions, looking back 50 years [in 1933] to the late 19th century and looking forward 50 years to examine the status of liberal and professional education in the 1980s. Traces the development of professional schools, the nature of undergraduate education, changes in graduate education, and…

Examines how research universities are responding to the complex challenge of revenue generation and budgeted expenditures in a market-driven age, and concludes that institutions adapt by incorporating market-like behavior into their business plans. The study found differences between institutions experiencing and not experiencing enrollment…

A study tested John L. Holland's theory that achievement is a function of the congruence between personality type and environment, focusing on college students' achievement within their academic majors. Subjects were 2,309 students enrolled in a wide variety of majors. Results indicate differences in effect size for "congruent" and "incongruent"…

A study had 912 undergraduate and graduate students rate previous instructors using high-inference items shown to be strong correlates of teaching effectiveness. Resulting data were analyzed to see if multiple definitions of teacher effectiveness emerged. Analysis produced a model of teacher effectiveness with a high degree of predictive power…

A study of 55 research centers at the University of New Mexico investigated the nature of the typical center, why funding has risen during the 1990s, reasons for founding the centers, the director's role, how university-based research centers transfer technology to private companies and other organizations, and what determines program…

A study using High School and Beyond longitudinal-survey data found students from disrupted families were less likely to apply to, be admitted to, or attend four-year colleges, and less likely to attend a selective college. Differences in family resource levels accounted for the largest proportion of the difference in college choice between…