"New Directions for Teaching and Learning" (NDTL) was first published in 1980. Since that time, there have been some changes, but many aspects have remained. NDTL issues are designed for faculty across the disciplines and are written in a way that they can be read easily and widely. This provides an important and distinctive variety of…

In 1995 when "New Directions" issue No. 63, "Understanding Self-Regulated Learning," was published, the issue editor, Paul Pintrich, was one of the leaders in studying how college students learn and what helps or hinders them during the process. His contributions to the field have been tremendous and very significant both theoretically and…

The new learning paradigm brings with it the need for a change in assessment practices as well. In this chapter, one of the assessment practices that is most consistent with this paradigm, authentic assessment, is discussed.

Provides suggestions for how faculty can encourage students to take faculty evaluations seriously and to provide thoughtful and constructive criticism. (EV)

Reviews recent research on student learning and motivation and applies conclusions to college instruction. Examines findings and instructional implications of the behaviorist model, the cognitive model, metacognition, learner-centered models, the unique learner, and motivation from a learning perspective. Concludes that the biggest variable in…

Good programs for recognizing exemplary college teaching are consistent with institutional mission and values, are grounded in research-based competencies and practices, recognize all significant facets of instruction, reward both collaborative and individual achievements, neither preclude nor replace the institutional reward system, call on those…

Departments have a responsibility for helping TAs develop as teachers, for evaluating TA performance, and or addressing the special needs of foreign-born TAs. The Teaching Assistant's role, course assignment procedures, supervising faculty, training programs, and informative feedback systems are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Practical suggestions and application of six principles from cognitive psychology can make learning more efficient now and produce learners who will be more self-sufficient in the future. This means redefining student and teacher roles, organizing the course and content in a way consistent with how learning occurs, and helping students learn how…

This author discusses how some ideas from creative thinking can be applied to help an instructor change his teaching by adapting ideas from others, looking from new perspectives, using models, and inquiry. It is best to start small and be clear on what is actually happening in the class. (MLW)