Background: A redesigned curriculum for teaching engineering graphics was adopted in an introductory mechanical engineering course. The rollout of this curriculum was staggered, allowing for comparisons of student perceptions across the newly revised and previous instructional approaches. The new curriculum borrows from content and pedagogy…

The traditional K-3 social studies curriculum has focused on food, clothing, shelter, communication, transportation, and other cultural universals, but little information exists about children's prior knowledge and thinking (including misconceptions) about these topics. This study was designed to provide such information with respect to the topic…

This study focuses on student response to computer-assisted instruction (CAI) after it was introduced into a college level physical geography course, "Introduction to Weather and Climate." PLATO, a University of Illinois mainframe network developed in the 1960s, was selected for its user friendliness, its large supply of courseware, its…

A study examined curriculum decision-making in the classrooms of accomplished teachers of English in grades 9 through 12, focusing on aspects of structure, content, and ways of knowing and doing that combined to create a sense of a "curriculum" rather than a series of disconnected lessons. Four classrooms were studied each semester for…

The traditional K-3 social studies curriculum has focused on food, clothing, shelter, communication, transportation, and other cultural universals. Little information exists about children's prior knowledge and thinking (including misconceptions) about these topics. This study was designed to provide such information with respect to the topic of…

Research has shown that student mid-term feedback has significantly increased subsequent ratings of teacher effectiveness, student achievement, and student attitudes when the feedback results were accompanied by expert consultation. A gap in the literature is an instrument intended to provide specific feedback on systematic planning and delivery…

Examines the effects of Australia's Video Loan Programme, which provides videocassette copies of Australian Broadcasting Corporation's educational broadcasts to primary school students living in isolated areas and reviews teacher, student, and parent attitudes, viewing patterns, integration with the curriculum, and educational concerns about…

The purpose of this study is to find out from transfer students exactly what they are afraid of or nervous about when they start over in a new school and examines the implications these anxieties may have for teachers. During the transition, transfer students often suffer social, academic, and emotional distress which can impede their adjustment…

A study evaluated a faculty presentation skills training program for effectiveness in improving achievement and satisfaction of community college students. Nine female instructors and 352 students participated in the project. A quasi-experimental research design was used. Data from faculty and students were collected prior to and following the…

In 1992, eight two-year colleges in Northern California were chosen to participate in a quantitative study of the relationship between student outcomes and the use of instructional methods recommended in the Cross/Angelo Classroom Assessment Model. The model supports the modification of instruction based on frequent, quick, and anonymous written…