Describes a problem-based human biology course for undergraduate nonscience majors. Discusses the nature of problem-based learning, effectiveness of problem-based learning in a nonmajors' science course, course development, and implications. Contains 14 references. (JRH)

Describes the Applied Coastal Oceanography course, a multidisciplinary course at Bryant College which was developed and designed to emphasize the efficacy of a good science and business education. Provides students with a technical base for studying coastal waters and familiarizes the student with different geophysical tools and methodologies…

Describes a strategy used in a meteorology course to increase its relevance to students' lives. Involves combining the lecture and laboratory portions of the course and including a Connections section in the lab report in which students comment on the connections they saw between the coursework, the laboratory exercises, and their own experience.…

Describes an activity designed to make the abstract concept of atomic structure somewhat concrete for students. (JRH)

Argues that research and teaching are inseparable at modern universities and that teaching makes for better research. (JRH)

Discusses assessment strategies in higher education. Emphasizes the ability of assessments to stimulate thinking and help students construct meaning of the scientific principles they have been taught. Highlights the role of assessment in providing feedback that can be used to improve instruction and enhance student learning. (JRH)

Explores the use of concept mapping in a college course on evolution and the effect of the use of graphics in the instructional process on the construction of a concept map. Results indicate a positive correlation between concept map scores and the number of graphics used by the instructor during lecture. (JRH)

Describes the use of case studies in allied health microbiology classes and presents four case studies. Discusses advantages of the case study approach and sources for case studies. Contains 71 references. (JRH)

Presents a demonstration that helps students grasp the idea that a reaction can only proceed to the extent that there are sufficient quantities of all reactants to generate it. (JRH)

Reviews two publications coauthored by David N. Perkins. "Teaching Thinking: Issues and Approaches" deals with developing a framework for nurturing forms of thinking that foster learning, understanding, and critical and creative thought. "Are Cognitive Skills Context-Bound?" traces the 30-year evolution of this topic. (JRH)

Discusses the problem of decline in support for science and basic research. Argues that environmental science needs more recognition as a politically attractive funding mechanism to engage the efforts of young persons now enrolled in traditional graduate programs. Lists suggestions to provide incentives to encourage the development of new…

Introduces a dynamic form of the case instruction method that involves debate and compromise. Discusses two versions of structured controversy and presents an example of structured controversy that involves the use of DNA fingerprinting in forensic medicine. (JRH)

Presents a laboratory exercise for an intermediate cell and molecular biology course that uses a murder-mystery play. Provokes students to think critically about important issues in scientific methodology in general and DNA analysis in particular. (JRH)

Describes a strategy to incorporate interactive and cooperative methods into oral reports of term papers. Introduces fresh perspectives into the subject of discussion and sparks new interests on the part of the students. (JRH)

Describes the development, implementation, and critique of a strategy to train biology students in writing scientific research papers and writing for a nontechnical audience. Enables students to see the connection between biology and rhetoric and the importance of developing capacities for generating translations and synthesis of their technical…