The six editions of this newsletter provide a forum for the sharing of research findings and instructional strategies by faculty of Western Michigan University on issues connected with critical thinking. Topics addressed include alternative program designs for critical thinking instruction, a philosophical exploration of what critical thinking is,…

It is proposed that college second-language students can increase understanding of the nature of fiction and film in a carefully planned upper-level course combining genres. One Spanish teacher's experience illustrates that this improves students' appreciation of Hispanic values, specific literary and cinematographic techniques, and use of…

This book provides higher education faculty practical suggestions for efficient and effective teaching and assessment of students and evaluation of teaching quality. Chapter 1 is an introduction to the book and its format. The format follows a schema developed to show the general process of planning and teaching a course which should be first…

The six editions of the newsletter provide a forum for the sharing of research findings and instructional strategies by faculty of Western Michigan University. Topics addressed include: active learning; lecture variations; lecture techniques; grading student participation; leading discussions; overcoming silence; discussion challenges; course…

This pamphlet is designed to help educators apply the core concept to current problems and situations in educational settings. The preface establishes the position of the National Association for Core Curriculum. A definition of the core curriculum concept is stated in the introduction. Ten assumptions and beliefs on which the core concept is…

Outlines a framework for integrated technology systems design that provides a competitive strategy that colleges and universities can use to harness and blend varied technological tools for expanding distance education. Looks at factors to consider in choosing among video-based, audio/video, and computer-based systems, and at applications of the…

Factors in development of a new introductory economics course, primarily for nonmajors, are discussed. These include selection of course content to capture student interest and reflect societal change, creation of a more stimulating classroom environment, and use of three cooperative learning activities on poverty, inflation, and budget deficits.…

This guide provides adjunct faculty with a conceptual foundation for college teaching and a collection of teaching and classroom management ideas to help meet the needs of their students. Chapters 1 and 2 provide the aspiring adjunct faculty member with an understanding of the culture of contemporary higher education and suggestions for obtaining…

This guide is directed toward school districts that wish to become involved in an integrated vocational education and mathematics skills program and plan to incorporate a mathematics equivalency credit option. The guide contains materials that can be used to conduct three workshops for teachers on integrated mathematics-vocational courses. The…

Designed specifically for graduate assistants teaching composition at Michigan State University (MSU), this handbook provides a general information base for teaching assistants, offering practical advice and discussing various aspects of course design, classroom practice, and the logistics of teaching at a large public university. A section on…

Developed as a resource for faculty members at the Community College of Vermont (CCV), this four-part handbook provides information about the CCV and presents ideas and strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of teaching. Part I reviews the history of the CCV; examines the institution's mission, goals, and programs; profiles the CCV's teachers…

Intended for instructors teaching a college course for the first time, this anthology contains short readings organized into four sections on: (1) introductory concerns, (2) course planning, (3) instructional methods, and (4) evaluation. Each section is preceded by a brief introduction. Included are the following articles: "It's a Myth: Nobody…

The training manual is designed to accompany "The Story of California," a set of bilingual instructional materials for limited-English-proficient, native Spanish-speaking students in urban middle schools intended to ease their transition into comfortable use of English while maintaining Spanish language skills. The manual is to be used…

This handbook provides guidelines and forms for evaluating second language teachers' performance and second language programs. The first section, which addresses the supervision and evaluation of language teachers, outlines basic principles (supervisory goals, evaluator attitudes, supervisory visits, and follow-up conferences), gives instructions…