The existing literature on indicators of an optimal learning environment for high-ability students frequently discusses the concept of challenge. It is, however, not clear what, precisely, constitutes appropriate challenge for these students. In this study, the authors examined an undergraduate honours course, Advanced Cell Biology, which has…

This study uses formal and informal student feedback as a source for understanding the impact of experimental course elements. Responses were used to develop a codebook, which was then applied to the entire dataset. The results inform our understanding of student's conceptions of professional identity, learning styles and curriculum design.…

A course in semiotics developed and taught for 16 years at Brookline High School in Massachusetts is described. The course uses four published texts, a series of readings, experiments, language games, and exercises in an effort to broaden, objectify, and integrate the students' conception of language. It consists of four units: (1) signs,…

The course design project was initiated for two reasons: (1) to discover why training courses generally are not designed or improved in accordance with seemingly obvious principles, and (2) to develop a systematic approach to course design that would result in the application of such principles. The major changes to be found in this revision…

Reports on an analysis of student evaluations of an introductory college-level physical geology course over a five year period. Indicates that instructional and pedagogical traits were assessed as being of importance in contributing to the satisfaction of the students with the course. (TW)

A science course is described in which students worked in moderately self-paced groups in a learning center with all the necessary resources on hand. Course objectives and organization are outlined and an evaluation of the course is presented that includes student reactions, staff opinions, and examination and project results. (Author/JMD)

A 1990-91 survey of preservice teacher education courses in England and Wales examined course philosophy and pedagogy, course structure, types of partnerships between higher education and schools, and student assessment. Many issues being raised in policy debates were already being addressed by teacher educators before the government's reform…

A model for course planning that provides a way of looking at college instruction and an approach to preparing effective courses is presented. It is suggested that: teaching is an experimental activity, there is no correct way to teach, a teacher sets up the conditions for learning, and both the course and teacher need to assume part of the…

This special issue explores alternative approaches to teaching the college introductory economics course. Using insights gained from learning theory, suggestions from the Joint Council on Economic Education, and trial and error, several faculty members at the Florida State University experimented with various techniques and approaches designed to…

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…

This paper proposes and describes a method of developing a special-purpose foreign language culture course providing cross-cultural training for professionals working in bilingual and bicultural settings. The following points are discussed: (1) ways of ascertaining the need for and the most appropriate type of cross-cultural training; (2)…

Presents a syllabus for an undergraduate introductory course on political science. Includes an analysis and rationale of the course organization and materials from the instructor. Discusses the educational goals and objectives of the course and how these are met. Reprints instructions for the final required paper. (MJP)

A University of British Columbia course in health care ethics, open to students from all health-care fields, encourages students to participate in interdisciplinary health-care decisionmaking in their future practice by providing an opportunity to study ethics together during professional training. The course objectives, organization, content, and…

Presents a syllabus for an introductory political science course. Includes a course outline, description, list of textbooks and readings, requirements, and grading policy. The course is structured in thematic units including the context of politics, acting in politics, the work of government, and alternative arenas of government. (MJP)

Home Economics 134 was designed to teach the construction and design of clothing on a basic level for students interested in home economics teaching, professional clothes designing, or just self-enrichment. Budget restrictions over a three year period necessitated the reduction of faculty members available to teach the course from three…