Reports a series of experiments in teaching data analysis in an interactive graphics environment (IGE). Explains that students can graph distributions and relationships as they obtain statistical results. Describes microcomputer programs for IGE data analysis. Concludes that software capabilities are excellent for small data sets but too slow for…

Contends the impact of a final examination on grades surpasses its role in shaping the learning experience. Suggests issuing final examination questions in the syllabus to provide a structure for the learning process and for organizing data. Includes guidelines for essay examination questions and describes an introductory comparative course in…

Reports results of a study that examines (1) the extent to which colleges have institutional policies requiring collection of outcome assessment data; (2) which outcomes measures are being collected; (3) which measures are considered most useful in political science departments; and (4) future institutional plans. Concludes that all measures are…

Discusses an extra-credit project offered to students in introductory U.S. government courses. Describes a student journal to be kept throughout the semester over one of four specified topics. Concludes that the project allowed the student to connect material over the entire semester while learning about sources covering politics and the tension…

Describes "Saskatchewan Speaks," a volume of public documents and commentary that was compiled for a university course in provincial politics to show the development of the province of Saskatchewan. The need for alternative teaching material is discussed, copyright is addressed, and an index to documents in "Saskatchewan…

Presents a selective chronology of three aspects of German history since World War II: the origins of the postwar division of Germany; the effects of two major policy decisions by West Germany after 1949; and the unification process after 1989. Contends that France and Germany will remain the core nations in the evolution of the European…

A study investigated the effect of classroom assessment techniques (CATs) on both content and process of college students' learning. Instructors ask students to provide regular, anonymous feedback about their understanding of course material and the effectiveness of class structure. Comments of students in biology, business management, political…

Argues that teachers need to dispel the misconceptions of the federal bureaucracy that are fueled by political rhetoric and the lack of information in textbooks. Addresses three misconceptions: (1) the autonomy of bureaucracies; (2) interest groups, Congress, and bureaucracies; and (3) public participation in the regulatory process. Outlines…

Explains using the Bosnian war crimes simulation to introduce international law and its political and legal ramifications in the course "Introduction to International Politics." Discusses the characteristics of the simulation, its effectiveness, and the response by students. Offers an evaluation of the exercise. (CMK)

Provides four rules on grading for new teaching assistants: (1) set clear standards, and make them known; (2) apply the same standards to everyone; (3) stand firm when you are right, admit when you are wrong; and (4) take your students seriously. (CMK)

Summarizes four guidelines pertaining to classroom advocacy that are based on the purpose of a liberal arts education: (1) advocacy should be explicit; (2) advocacy should be reasoned and informed; (3) teachers should allow free and open discussion of students' positions; and (4) advocacy should be civil and repectful of students. (CMK)

Explores the issues involved in teaching a regional U.S. political science course, specifically referring to a course taught on midwestern politics. Covers topics such as defining the region to be studied, course organization, and assignments. Considers using the regional approach in an interdisciplinary course and other options. (CMK)

Contends that undergraduate students should become familiar with the scientific aspects of political science. Addresses seven objectives that are central to a sound education in political science. States that science education is taught in fragments in political science, stating that there is no undergraduate curriculum that meets the seven…

Contends that in order to make political science scientifically based, people within the discipline must reach a consensus on what a scientifically based discipline is, and communicate that information to the students. States that teaching about the scientific method may focus on a set of principles within the grasp of undergraduate students. (CMK)

Argues that political scientists need to pay more attention to research in subfields of the discipline outside of their own. Suggests research that does not limit itself in terms of possible generalizations. Provides examples of good uses of cross-field research. Reviews obstacles to change and ways to overcome them. (DSK)