Identifying and assessing core knowledge has been and continues to be a challenge that vexes the discipline of sociology. With the adoption of a thematic approach to courses in the core curriculum at Butler University, faculty teaching Introductory Sociology were presented with the opportunity and challenge of defining the core knowledge and…

The teaching and learning movement in sociology in general and within the American Sociological Association specifically has a surprisingly long history. This history can be divided into three periods of activity: early efforts (1905 to 1960), innovation and implementation (1960 to 1980), and the institutionalization of gains (1980 to 2009).…

The last decade has seen an increased emphasis on assessment of student learning and on the use of instructional technologies in higher education. This emphasis has caused sociologists to pay closer attention to learning theories as they seek to increase learning in sociology courses by more effectively engaging students. Thus, to promote greater…

In the process of collecting assessment data in the author's introductory sociology course, he made a startling and disappointing discovery. For the most part, students simply were not bothering to read the basics version of the introductory survey textbook that he assigned. This discovery presented him with two related challenges. First, he had…

Discusses a study using non-participant observations, survey, and interview techniques to examine student participation in a mixed age, small, midwestern university classroom. States that once student responsibilities were identified, comparisons and contrasts were made among students who accepted the participation responsibility and those who…

Summarizes a recent study concerning the impact of age on students' verbal participation in the college classroom. Discovered that age, gender, attendance, week in semester, and time of day were significant determinants. Examines students' reasons for their lack of participation and offers suggestions to increase it. (MJP)