The authors examined the relationship between specific learning styles and stress and coping in a sample of female college students (N = 246). Participants in the study were assessed on the three variables by completing several self-report instruments measuring learning styles, life stress level, and coping skills. There were significant…

Implicit theories about the malleability of skills/abilities have been shown to predict learners' willingness to participate in learning opportunities. The authors examined whether college professors' implicit theories about the malleability of teaching skills predicted their willingness to engage in professional development (PD) related to…

Landing a tenure-track faculty position is a dream of many doctoral students, but little is known about transitioning issues pursuant to that dream. The purpose of this autoethnography was to explore the author's experience as she transitioned into a tenure-track assistant professorship at an institution in the Northeastern U.S. In her exploration…

Student evaluation of instruction in college and university courses has been a routine and mandatory part of undergraduate and graduate education for some time. A major shortcoming of the process is that it relies exclusively on the opinions or qualitative judgments of students rather than on assessing the learning or transfer of knowledge that…

The authors tested the predictions of a game theory model of plagiarism, using a test population of student papers submitted to an online plagiarism detection program, over five semesters in a non-majors biology course with multiple sections and high enrollment. Consistent with the model, as the probability of detection and the penalty if caught…

The authors created a valid and reliable teaching statement scoring rubric to investigate and document the progression of graduate student instructors as scholarly teachers. Using the rubric, they detected significant positive changes between students' draft and final teaching statements, particularly in criteria related to describing teaching…

Those who teach research methods courses may struggle to engage students who are anxious or apprehensive about taking the course. Thus, it becomes the obligation of the instructor to develop innovative approaches so that students overcome their apprehension, learn the material, and, it is hoped, develop a passion for research. The authors present…

This qualitative study examines the career strategies of 17 professors at a major research university who are noted by key colleagues and former students for taking their teaching seriously. The author discusses two career strategies--applying career design principles and acting resourcefully about teaching development--that help these professors,…

A disorienting dilemma is a catalyst for change in perspective that may culminate in transformative learning. The authors analyze three activities in higher education that created disorienting dilemmas--a field trip, a service-learning experience, and study abroad. Results indicate that a disorienting dilemma can prompt students and faculty to…

Despite increased attention to diversity in higher education, educators are often unaware of the hidden cultural assumptions they bring to the classroom that impact the epistemological and pedagogical frameworks from which they operate. The disparity between our worldviews and those of our students can erect barriers to student performance. The…

The author explores how student learning can be enhanced through the appropriate development of teaching skills. In his review of elements of best practice drawn from the literature, conference material, and action research, the concept of "connectivity" emerged as a recurring, implicit term. From this evolved the concept of "connection learning,"…

It is crucial for teachers to communicate effectively about educational objectives to students, colleagues, and others in education. In 1956, Bloom developed a cognitive learning taxonomy to enhance communication between college examiners. The Bloom taxonomy consists of 6 hierarchical levels of learning (knowledge, comprehension, application,…

The authors redesigned a Lifespan Development course using Fink's (2003) taxonomy of significant learning and measured changes across his six domains: Knowledge, Application, Integration, Human Dimension, Caring, and Learning How to Learn. Using case studies and group work, 151 undergraduates completed identical pre- and post-tests that measured…

This study reveals that first-year college students are more impacted by the process of learning to learn than by the content of what they are learning. Specifically, adapting to college-level academic expectations, adopting successful study habits, and coping with the tendency to procrastinate were found to be critical to students' academic…

Electronic portfolios can enhance student reflection and the in- tegration of learned concepts as well as demonstrate their overall proficiency to peers, teachers, and potential employers. The authors administered pre- and post-questionnaires in several classes among diverse disciplines to gauge students' perceptions of e-portfolios and…