Alternative grading methods, such as standards-based grading, provide students multiple opportunities to demonstrate their understanding of the learning outcomes in a course. These grading methods allow for more flexibility and help promote a growth mindset by embracing constructive failure for students. Implementation of these alternative grading…

We present the most recent steps undertaken to reform the introductory algebra-based course at The George Washington University. The reform sought to help students improve their problem-solving performance. Our pedagogy relies on didactic constructs such as the" GW-ACCESS problem-solving protocol," "instructional sequences" and…

This article reports on a one-semester Advanced Cell Biology course that endeavors to bridge the gap between gaining basic textbook knowledge about cell biology and learning to think and work as a researcher. The key elements of this course are 1) learning to work with primary articles in order to get acquainted with the field of choice, to learn…

To provide a basis for the conceptual development of audio teleconferencing, key audio teleconferencing and distance education variables extracted from the literature are related into a representative model whose major interdependent components include interaction, technical design, learner characteristics, attitudes, and evaluation, learning…

This article describes the curriculum for a highly student-centered human biology course constructed around a series of themes that enables the integration of the same basic paradigms found in a traditional survey lecture course without sacrificing essential content. The theme-based model enhances student interest, ability to integrate knowledge,…

The paper presents a teaching regime and evaluation criteria for a general education course in biology. The purpose of the course is to provide students with biological information to help them understand problems facing humans and some of the social and ethical aspects of these problems. Using input from students concerning what constitutes a…

A course for fifth-year baccalaureate students provides a structured introduction to many of the devices with which pharmacists are involved (contraceptives, convalescent aids, surgical appliances, etc.), and includes assigned readings, lectures, and hands-on experience with industry representatives. Lists of the lecture material, devices, reading…

The Spanish Intensive Courses sequence at the University of South Carolina, first offered in fall 1982, has become well received and highly visible in the university. The sequence has grown to three courses in fall 1983, all exceeding minimum enrollment requirements despite selective admission criteria. The success of the sequence has inspired the…

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…

A survey of part-time degree students in British postsecondary education looked at student attitudes, background, and resources and policies and practice related to recruitment and admission, curriculum and assessment, course structure, student facilities, and student support. (MSE)

A study of second language instruction for vocational purposes in Scotland is reported. It used case studies to investigate: (1) teaching approaches currently used; (2) assessment of foreign language skills for vocational purposes; (3) evidence of the effectiveness of different teaching approaches; and (4) approaches considered most effective by…

Link courses and other cooperative educational programs designed for secondary school students in New South Wales were evaluated in 1979. Link courses/programs are instructional sessions in which secondary students attend a postsecondary institution, or in which postsecondary faculty give lessons to students at the secondary school. The study was…

The collection of papers on course design includes reports of teaching practice and classroom research by teachers of English as a second language. Papers include: "Teacher Researchers: Perspectives on Teacher Action Research and Curriculum Renewal" (Anne Burns); "From Curriculum to Courses: Why Do Teachers Do What They Do?" (Susan Hood); "The…