The didactic class is a pedagogical tool meant to increase classroom interactivity by encouraging student discussion of real-life cases in connection with theory. This paper evaluates the pedagogical impact of using a one-off didactic class where an external expert is brought in to discuss how to relate a cognitive psychology course's content to…

In the Internet era, students have increasingly lost interest in traditional lectures; as a consequence, their learning motivation and exam performance have decreased. The widespread adoption of learner-centered teaching methods that address this issue faces certain barriers, including: 1) the significant faculty effort necessary to prepare…

Compares differences in examination scores, students' statements of interest, and perceptions of course difficulty as a function of course topic order. Concludes that topic order had no effect on either achievement or students' interest and perception of difficulty. (Author/JDH)

Discussions concluded that now is the time to develop criteria for measuring professional quality of practicing physicians and to improve learning processes in medical schools. (Editor/IR)

Distance learners are self-directed learners traditionally taught via study books, collections of readings, and exercises to test understanding of learning packages. Despite advances in e-Learning environments and computer-based teaching interfaces, distance learners still lack opportunities to participate in exercises and debates available to…

Discusses the use of student-based focus groups as one component of university course evaluations. Steps in planning and conducting focus groups are detailed and applied to the evaluation of a freshman-level general health course. Finds that participants wanted to retain the health content but add more of a teaching emphasis to the course.…

Five communication strategies are essential to success in large courses: managing instructor anxiety, using presentation time efficiently, motivating students, communicating enthusiasm, and organizing content. (MLW)

To date, no studies have focused solely on community college students' epistemological beliefs and the courses students pursue. The purpose of this study was to determine if a semester-long community-college course designed to increase critical thinking skills could help students attain more sophisticated levels of epistemological beliefs. A…

This booklet outlines specific strategies to help teachers prepare an effective self-study course for students enrolled in nontraditional study. The guide is organized in four chapters that cover the following topics: (1) consideration of students and their motivation; (2) preparation of an effective course (conceptualization--goals, expectations,…

This booklet discusses the organization, competence, and motivation that make part-time instructors effective. It shows part-time teachers ways to develop motivation, prepare for each class, conduct sound and enjoyable courses, and find the most useful ways to build their skills. The booklet is organized in four chapters that cover the following…

Research results and suggestions concerning motivating college students are considered. Some research has indicated that motivation to learn in school is not fixed, but it is not changed drastically in short time periods either. It has been suggested that students who are not motivated to learn resist new information, and use categorical reasoning…

The problem method is an important instructional tool to make teaching more enjoyable for both the student and the instructor. To be effective the teacher must provide enthusiasm and motivation, shorter instructional units, student activities, application of the instruction, a summary at the end of each class, and various types of presentations.…

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…