Argues for an approach to undergraduate instruction that incorporates recent research concerning schema theory (the continual cognitive restructuring and processing of information). Recommends beginning with fundamental skills and building on these to include more complex concepts and processes. Includes an illustrative example beginning with…

Recounts a criminology class exercise that consisted of staging a mock trial using the murders from Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood" as source material. Students research the case and role play various lawyers, jury members, and witnesses. Identifies and discusses four educational objectives attainable through the staging of mock trials. (MJP)

Demonstrates the usefulness of classroom assessment in reducing the number of underprepared students. Recommends that faculty use classroom assessment techniques very early in the semester to determine students' knowledge level. Maintains that a vast dichotomy exists between teachers' assumptions regarding students' knowledge and what they…

Describes a final assignment in an introductory sociology course that helps students apply their sociological knowledge. Students choose a book or movie, provide a plot summary, analyze it using a minimum number of sociological terms gathered from different chapters or topic areas, and provide a brief conclusion. (MJP)

Charts the forces changing undergraduate sociology education and attempts to define the future nature of the discipline. Visualizes a discipline that is more practical and problem centered, marketing itself as a proactive tool for understanding changing social systems. Recommends experiential and active learning utilizing new technology. (MJP)

Connects the personal classroom experiences of a sociology professor with the changes in teaching methods over the last 30 years. Unequivocally, supports the more interactive teaching methods such as collaborative learning, role playing, simulations, and debates. Valuable appendix includes detailed descriptions of six group activities. (MJP)

Recommends the use of student-written sociological short stories as an alternative to traditional term papers. Describes how students choose a topic and use sociological theories and research to outline a plot, characters, dialogue, and settings. Includes excerpts from student stories and recommendations on student evaluation. (CFR)

Compares the use of multiple choice and essay tests for student evaluation and asserts that essay tests are superior but have disadvantages. Presents a rationale and suggestions for implementing the guided essay approach to student evaluation. Includes an appendix with a guided essay format accompanied by a sample essay. (CFR)

Presents several common misperceptions about student evaluation of college faculty members. Asserts that it is essential to examine the operational processes used to measure effective teaching. Discusses the role of research, the importance of sociology, and the utility of standardized assessments of student learning in faculty evaluation. (CFR)

Asserts that genograms, a diagram providing basic demographic information about family history, can help engage college students in several sociological issues. Describes a two-step process in which students construct their own genograms and exchange them with a partner for analysis. Concludes with recommendations for grading the genograms. (CFR)

Describes the content and instructional techniques used in a college course on program evaluation. Discusses the use of cooperative learning methods and fieldwork as instructional strategies. Maintains that student evaluations indicate the course achieved its objectives. (CFR)

Maintains that the study of complex organizations has long been central to sociology. Presents and describes a college assignment based on the sociological practice perspective, a new approach to social science instruction. Includes a six-step student process, information on grading, and a sample of student questions. (CFR)

Suggests the bachelor's paper as an alternative to testing for sociology majors. Explains that the paper enables the student to use the discipline's theoretical and methodological tools to address an important topic. Explores the advantages and disadvantages of the paper. Suggests that the assignment promotes assessment both of the student and the…

Presents the COPS form (Content, Organization, Planning, and Style) for critically analyzing and grading oral presentations. Includes an example of a COPS form. Discusses each dimension analyzed. Describes strengths and weaknesses of the form. Suggests that the form is very effective for improving communication skills in sociology courses. (DK)

Describes a student research project for a research methods course in which students present their work as a poster session. Explains that students are graded for visual display and oral presentation. Reports that students are more thorough in self-evaluations after their efforts at public display. (DK)