Findings from the ninth triennial administration of the National Survey of First-Year Seminars, describing the nature and extent of first-year seminars on American college campuses. Drawn from a broad sample of colleges and universities from every institutional type, control, and size, the survey addresses topics including seminar characteristics…

Outlines a program designed to combat the high rate of attrition among engineering students. Problems attacked include the unexpected rigor of the curriculum, misconceptions about engineering, isolation from others studying engineering, and inadequate background in math and science. (GS)

Describes a program built on the philosophy that laboratory exercises were to be exclusively reserved for those concepts which could not be taught more effectively by other pedagogical techniques. Presents faculty and student criticisms of the program. (GS)

Describes an approach which integrates experiential learning with the study of subject matter. The foundation of this program is a systems design called SAM, Self-Actualized Model. Presents design details of the program and an initial evaluation. (GS)

Describes a course used to teach freshwater ecology to graduate and undergraduate students at the University of Michigan Biological Station. Explains how students receive an introduction to lake ecology and work on applied resource management questions concerning local lakes and streams. Gives case study examples. (SB)

The Mathematics Inquiry in the Conrad Area (MICA) Project had as its general focus the installation of a variety of teaching approaches, with emphases on open-ended units. The purpose was to give teachers exposure to the diversity of possible approaches, to use and test the effectiveness of the methods, and to familiarize other teachers with the…

This publication reports the results of a field study of middle school students using a unified science program, Interrelated Explorations in Science (IES). IES emphasizes the ideas, processes, and values common to all of science and utilizes independent study, gaming, dramatization, and values clarification activities to motivate students to…

This is the report of a project which sought to determine if the text, MODERN MATH, would provide a basis for an effective individualized mathematics program in grades 1-6. A guide was prepared correlating supplementary materials with the text. Staff workshops were held and teacher aides assisted in the classroom. Results showed a gain in mean…

The study summarizes a survey of a nationwide sample of students, teachers, and administrators involved in Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs funded under the Adult Education Act of 1966. Information was collected during 1971-1973 to assist in evaluating the effects of the ABE program on a priority group of students--adults from 16 to 44 years…

The New Mexico Solar Energy Institute (NMSEI) education program has attempted to influence teachers to increase the quantity and quality of teaching about renewable energy sources and their uses. Since 1982, the program has used the following methods for influencing energy education: a newsletter for educators; conference and classroom…

A teacher education learning module that focuses on evaluation of instruction for the purpose of determining if set educational goals are reached is described. Emphasis is on improving teachers' skills in utilizing evaluation techniques, including statistical concepts and testing procedures, and in selecting instructional programs and procedures.…

Describes the implementation and evaluation of an early intervention program, Reading Recovery, designed to help young, at-risk children become writers. Research evaluation results in New Zealand and in the United States and a case study of a five-year-old child are presented. (BB)

The thrust of the Navajo Adult Basic Education (NABE) program is aimed at three major objectives. First, it seeks to establish, through the study of history and current events, a feeling of pride in Navajo cultural heritage, promoting self-esteem and building self-confidence. Next, it prepares the Navajo to function better in those areas of the…