Tertiary education institutions grapple with how to better engage students in their learning in high-enrolment, introductory courses. This paper presents a case study that examines a large-scale, faculty-level course redesign project in which this challenge was addressed through the use of blended learning models. The main research question was:…

This paper focuses on the development of an actuarial science track for the mathematics major at Salisbury University (SU). A timeline from the initial investigation into such a program through the proposal and approval processes is shared for those who might be interested in developing a new actuarial program. It is wise to start small and take…

The field of nanotechnology has outgrown the discovery phase into the application and even commercial production phases. Consequently, the need for a workforce capable of supporting this growth is more than ever. However, because of the different challenges associated with nanotechnology education, specific courses are required to be developed and…

This practice paper describes the development and implementation of a senior capstone course for communication and leadership development for undergraduate students. The resulting course is a unique combination of experiential skill development and career preparation. The success of this course provides students with an important and meaningful…

Mechanics courses at West Virginia University are taught exclusively from programed instructional materials. Presents: (1) descriptions of these courses; (2) data indicating higher achievement by students participating in programed courses compared to students in courses using the lecture method; and (3) reasons for the success of the courses. (DH)

Describes the development of a hybrid master's degree that combines research and practice at the University of Nevada-Reno. Relates how the curriculum in journalism and mass communication was developed, including descriptions of core courses and applied research techniques. Concludes that while the experience has not been completely satisfactory,…

Offers a description of innovations in the sociology program at Santa Clara University (California) focusing on the three stage approach to program improvement: (1) mission/vision; (2) time budgets (continuity between goals and effort); and (3) effectiveness. Discusses additional lessons that may be useful for other campuses. (CMK)

A capstone course, entitled "Coordinating Seminar," has been developed at Rivier College, a small Roman Catholic liberal arts college in New England, as a vehicle for assessment in the Psychology Department. Assessment has been defined by Rivier College as a collegewide effort to document and verify the amount and quality of educational change in…

Describes the introduction of microprocessors into the Weapons and Systems Engineering Department at the U.S. Naval Academy, including planning decisions, implementation, procedures, uses of microprocessors in the department, and impact on the Systems Engineering major and curriculum. (SK)

Describes goal/objectives, course content/materials, context/users/beneficiaries, and transferability of the Maine Studies Curriculum, a state-validated demonstration project taught as part of the regular school curriculum. Also describes project evaluation (pilot testing, interpretability of measures, credibility of evidence, evidence of impact…

The Writing Across the Business Disciplines Project at Robert Morris College has had a profound effect on faculty from various disciplines who have taken part in the program since its inception in 1985. Each participant targets a specific course in his or her own field for intensive scrutiny and eventual re-design. During this process, faculty…

The author traces the origins and development of the International Baccalaureate program as an outgrowth of continuing curriculum innovation in international schools. She describes its rapid expansion in North America, where many school systems are attracted by its challenging academic curriculum. Fox concludes by considering the prospects for…

A project was designed to develop a vocational course to satisfy an industry request for trained manpower in petroleum production. During phase one the feasibility was studied, formal instruction determined, an instructor named, site located and secured, and students selected for the class. A three-year trade and industrial level course for…

A description is given of an introductory foundations of education course that requires students to participate in a field experience in the public schools and link their observations to the broader, more theoretical issues in education through a variety of classroom and writing activities. The course, through its design, is particularly effective…

To emphasize the importance of the recognition of linguistics study as an important element in the college English liberal arts curriculum within the relatively short span of ten years, this article begins with a discussion of the factors influencing this recent curricular development and the subsequent growing need for English teachers to have…