Summarizes the historical development of lasers, involving basic concepts in physics, applied technology, advanced experimental techniques, and human interactions. Indicates that the potential for invention of the laser had been with us at least 30 years before the event actually occurred. (CC)

Discusses one of the three model programs conducted at St. Lawrence University with emphasis on the utilization of the psychological principles of Maslow and Rogers. Indicates that the learner should be free from as many external constraints as possible to form a rich learning environment for self-development. (CC)

Discusses the teaching of an experimental, individualized, lectureless course in chemistry with emphasis on programed instruction, audiovisual presentation, computerized examinations, and tutorial methods. Concludes that the program may prove superior in teaching of certain elementary chemical concepts to underprepared students. (CC)

Presents four examples which illustrate close relationships of chemistry to other disciplines. Indicates that chemistry is composed of many strongly interacting parts and a discipline which is donating to and borrowing from other disciplines. (CC)

Summarizes teaching assistant training programs conducted in 50 graduate schools. Indicates that mose institutions see the teaching assistant as a means of providing undergraduate instruction and of providing financial support for graduate students, not as a means of training future college teachers. (CC)

Discusses the offering of a special one-credit course in teacher training for the teaching assistants of the chemistry department of the University of Idaho, involving the films used, micro-teaching assignments, and course evaluation questionnaires. (CC)

Discusses the use of "generation tables" to demonstrate the effect of age on the size of a population in a biology course for nonscience majors. Included are specified assumptions and conditions for table construction. (CC)

Presents the author's personal observation as a visiting professor at the Open University (OU) in Great Britain. This includes the OU goals, requirements, instructional materials, media, and student evaluation. How the OU carries out its undergraduate science teaching program is also presented. (HM)

Discusses how standard scores which are called T-scores are used in grading large courses. The article includes: (1) procedures for calculating the class mean, standard deviation, and the standard score; (2) grade distribution; and (3) validity of an examination. (HM)

Investigates the effectiveness of different elements of diagnosis and prescription incorporated into help sessions for college science students. Results show that following laboratory classes with help sessions that are based on the results of diagnostic tests can alter achievement significantly, whether help sessions are directed by teacher or…

Describes adaptation of the Retake System to larger lecture classes and tests the importance of remedial study in improving exam performance for 410 students enrolled in an interdisciplinary (chemistry, physics, and biology) science course for nonscience majors. (HM)

Discusses the need for a technical teacher who could help college students working in geology laboratory and field settings. The duties and qualifications of the technical teacher are also discussed. (HM)

Describes how the procedures by which a certificate soil tester evaluates a parcel of land for its suitability as a site for a private sewage system or septic tank can be used by college students as a laboratory exercise in environmental geology. (HM)

Describes an activity by which college students can evaluate various urban environments through a series of responses to polar adjective pairs. This activity clarifies how earth science students feel about the environment, and it also teaches them contour mapping. (HM)