Conducted for the Bringing Theory to Practice project, this literature review examines the theoretical and research bases for linking engaged learning, student mental health and well-being, and civic development. The findings of this review are discussed briefly in this article. Current prevention literature recommends a shift from targeted…

One of the more intriguing trends at the turn of the twenty-first century is the ascendant influence of religion in various aspects of American life. The renewed interest in religion and spirituality is not just a function of aging baby boomers acknowledging their mortality. The University of Pennsylvania reported that 86 percent of those between…

Educating for personal and social responsibility, from the perspective of moral cognition, involves promoting students' cognitive development. The literature suggests several approaches as successful in promoting cognitive development. Though Kohlberg views this development as primarily facilitated by dialogue with individuals in more advanced …

Reviews recent studies on new faculty and on graduate students aspiring to a faculty career, documenting deficiencies in graduate education and the need for better bridges between doctoral preparation and the actual work of faculty. (EV)

Summarizes findings of two upcoming reports on programs that support and strengthen the academic achievement of under-represented student groups at both K-12 and postsecondary levels. The most successful programs at both K-12 and postsecondary levels were those which were comprehensive, extended over a long period of time, and bridged educational…

Colleges can create conditions to maximize the learning that occurs in an environment with a diverse student population. Studies indicate that students who interact with diverse peers demonstrate more complex thinking linked to both cognitive and to social development. Research literature provides strong support for institutional commitment to…

True college-faculty development must be holistic and integrative of all the needs and activities of individual faculty members, and undertaken by faculty and institution together to shape the fabric of academic life. Faculty must also work with professional associations to help ensure that doctoral programs are preparing students for a sufficient…

Examines the 1997 "Handbook of the Undergraduate Curriculum," a 34-chapter "operating manual and desk reference" to the college curriculum. Assert that, while the dominant trend in higher education in the 20th century has been specialization and proliferation of programs and courses, a historic reversal of this trend is occurring, with…

Faculty development programs are designed to improve faculty performance in all aspects of their professional lives. Six areas of concern are presented: flexibility of approach; individual v corporate activity; new understanding of scholarship; personnel management; understanding student development; and administrative leadership and support. (JMF)

Calls for presidential evaluations resulting from accountability demands are discussed. A summary of the literature is detailed and various models are described including: Los Angeles Community College District "civil service model," Ad Hoc Committee Model, Minnesota State University System Model, and FIPSE Model. (Author/MLW)

Traditional objections to student involvement and recent research supporting the validity of student comments are explored. The value of student comments depends upon asking appropriate questions: deciding what should be asked, what form the questions and results should take, and what use should be made of the information. (Author/MLW)

A study of 43 liberal arts colleges' library budgets for the first half of the 1970s is described. The combined effects of inflation and financial crunch have led to a materials v staff struggle which could result in an improper balance between these two items. (Author/MLW)

Twentieth century historical treatments of liberal education, often conflicting and confused, are examined and the relationship of this confusion to previous historical interpretations is discussed. It is concluded that liberal education is neglected as a topic of historical research. (MSE)

Four papers on science instruction are presented: "Science as a Human Activity" (Harmon Dunathan); "Science as a Historical Process" (Robert Proctor); "Science as a Creative Process" (Robert Pollack); and "Making Science Assessible" (Walter E. Massey). (MSE)

A discussion of programs and techniques used to deal with student difficulties in learning math and science highlights the efforts of the Claremont Colleges, the College of St. Catherine, Gustavus Adolphus College, Iona College, Mississippi State University, and Stetson University. (MSE)