The authors examined student and faculty opinions regarding the use of detailed learning goals in three courses. Students reported the use of learning goals to be positive, aiding them with studying, in lectures, and in determining the important material to learn. Likewise, faculty indicated that using learning goals was a positive experience,…

Student handouts which are written "tongue-in-cheek" tell the student to do exactly the opposite of what should be done to improve study skills. Reasons given for using a paradoxical teaching approach are to create an element of surprise, to increase attention, to encourage identification with what is being taught, to increase awareness…