Disputing Allan Bloom's ("Closing of the American Mind") conviction that the fading of literary culture and growing attachment to rock music signals the decline of American civilization, discussion examines how literature, rock music, film, and critical reflection can be used to engage students intellectually without relinquishing either their…

A study of 543 South African university freshmen examined testing issues in relation to use of English as a first or second language. Results suggest multiple-choice tests yield higher grades than essay tests for both native and nonnative speakers, performance on essay questions varies depending on type of question, and open-ended tutorial…

Describes the use of concept mapping as a teaching technique in a graduate-level educational psychology course. Examines constructivist learning as a theoretical base for instruction, defines concept mapping, and outlines the classroom technique used. Asserts that concept maps guide, promote, and assist in knowledge construction as a metacognitive…

Co-location of the Flinders University of South Australia medical school and teaching hospital allows patient care, teaching, and research under one roof. This and a curriculum oriented to patient care from the outset have created a model program. A four-year graduate-entry admission program, rural and remote teaching programs, and attention to…

New England's college- and university-based arts programs feed both the imagination and the economy. The region has 5% of the nation's population, but awards arts and music degrees to 8% of the nation's graduates, garners 7% of National Endowment for the Arts funding, supports over 1000 commercial arts-oriented businesses, and 10,000 nonprofit…

In the current economic climate, the arts and liberal arts, traditionally closely linked, are struggling separately for survival in higher education. The arguments made for them tend to be linked to practical issues. However, a liberal arts education provides students with a foundation on which to build the capacity to create and appreciate…

Argues that, if higher education is serious about achieving sustained policy to support the arts, it must build consensus about the value of art, artists, and artistic freedom. Politically, more attention is given to tactics than to underlying philosophy. Trend data for National Endowment for the Arts funding and state arts funding in New England…

A look at the history of music education in American colleges and universities indicates its late development. Suggestions for enhancing the nation's musical life include viewing composition, performance, and listening as integrated processes; developing a broader focus for music specialists; and paying more attention to musical literacy in the…

Massachusetts' 1873 establishment of a public art/design college provides lessons as we debate public investment in the arts and redefine the government's role. Public support depends on developing a broad array of mutual interests; cultural and education leaders must demonstrate to business, government, and the public the connection between fine…

In 1994, the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) launched a customized professional development program for art teachers, funded through a coalition of hospitals, colleges, and universities. It fostered a collaboration between RISD and city art teachers, which resulted in development of an overall strategic reform plan for visual arts education…

From the hierarchical, governmental, industrial, military model of the 20th century, society is moving rapidly toward a globalized, interactive market. This new order is tailor-made for regional development but also challenges regions to think and act strategically in a world of weakened central governments and growing international currency…

New England's business, education, and political communities must work together to improve literacy, increase job-specific vocational training, support incumbent worker training, and create more avenues for job access. If labor needs are not met, some companies may leave New England. The New England Council, established in 1925 to keep jobs within…

Student borrowing for higher education has increased dramatically, and some students begin their adult lives with considerable debt. Financial burden measures should be incorporated into student loan repayment requirements and used to adjust either monthly or annual repayments or the period of repayment. Reducing debt burden would help make…

The media continues to be blamed by higher education administrators for blowing college costs out of proportion. While there may be reasonable answers to questions about higher education costs and productivity, the media have to ask them and institutions must respond. Weak coverage of higher education by the media does not help higher education.…

Problems in media coverage of higher education in New England are examined, noting high turnover in journalists covering colleges and universities and journalists' lack of time to visit campuses. What coverage there is appears to be focused heavily on a few prestigious institutions and state colleges where news is easily gathered from bureaucrats…