In the recent past, during the 36 hours of required coursework necessary to become a certified teacher in the state of New York, not a single course deviated from the same model of teacher centered lectures and a long list of "to dos" that would presumably enable pre-service students to face 30 odd children in their own classrooms with…

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,…

Mind mapping, which challenges the right side of the brain, is recommended as a technique for designing classroom work and stimulating more effective and efficient comprehension. (MSE)

It is proposed that a course on the Freedom of Information Act of 1966 is shaped largely by one question: how does the rhetoric behind the law match the reality of its operation? Issues such a course can address are identified, and possible course formats and teaching materials are discussed. (MSE)

A group of papers concerning English language syllabus design for general education curricula developed for a symposium on that topic includes an introduction on the definition and function of syllabuses by Christopher Brumfit, and a paper providing a review and discussion of terminology, background to the discussion, and current views on the…

The University of Alberta's (Canada) four-year experience with development of a medical school course in behavioral science is chronicled. The course began as a traditional lecture course and evolved through several formats into a clinical course. Attention given to the quality of the educational experience is highlighted. (MSE)

A conceptual framework is provided to help college teachers find ways to include meaningful learning activities in their classes, regardless of teaching style, course objectives, or students' level of experience. Examples are offered from literature and nursing courses. Additional issues discussed include the teacher's role perception and concerns…

Two types of feedback are examined, and their use in controlling the processes of instructional development and improvement are discussed. Closed-loop feedback, the most direct, uses immediate feedback about a process or product to make immediate adjustments in it. Open-loop feedback, in which input cannot be changed immediately, uses feedback to…

Guidelines for learning and teaching structural equation modeling (SEM) in doctoral-level social work educational programs are offered. Essential ingredients of an introductory course, successful and unsuccessful methods of instruction, practical course organization, and integration of the material into the doctoral curriculum are discussed.…

This booklet discusses the organization, competence, and motivation that make part-time instructors effective. It shows part-time teachers ways to develop motivation, prepare for each class, conduct sound and enjoyable courses, and find the most useful ways to build their skills. The booklet is organized in four chapters that cover the following…

A discussion of computer integration in the college curriculum describes its impact on courses and classroom interaction, looks at levels of computer integration, and examines strategies for developing such a course. It is proposed that, although computer integration is inevitable, it will cause a turbulent transition period for classroom…

A University of Salford (England) course in business administration contains a business start-up simulation project on which students work in teams. A description of the course looks at the objectives and methods used, team selection, choice of venture, support provided, assessment activities, course modifications made over time, and outcomes.…

The Australian Language Levels (ALL) Project offers a coherent model for elementary and secondary language curriculum design. Book 2 of the four-volume series elaborates on each of the major features of the ALL Project proposal for language curricula outlined in Book 1, focusing on the syllabus, suggesting possible content at different…

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…