Details of a computer-assisted instruction program in chemistry are given. Approximately half of the instructional computer usage is centered around drill, tutorial, and simulation programs. Problem solving, including research, and programming courses constitute the other half. Also described is a computerized system available to the chemistry…

This document presents contract grading as a system of evaluation for speech communication courses at the high school or college level. Contract grading can provide the means to reduce the element of threat that impedes effective interpersonal communication between teacher and student. Contract grading is a business like arrangement whereby the…

A sample of 412 secondary school English teachers from 42 schools participated in a study of the effect of selected mechanical errors on teachers' evaluations of nonmechanical aspects of students' writing. Three revised versions of a student's paragraph were prepared: in the first, all mechanical errors were removed; in the second, the student's…

Although grades have been criticized for lack of reliability, end-of course grades and grade-point averages are reliable enough for most uses. The charge of unreliability applies only to grades on themes, tests, or other individual pieces of student work. On the other side of the controversy, grades have been said to be essential to the learning…

Numerous research studies have been conducted concerning the negative aspects of grading: the low correlations between academic success (high grades) and later vocational or professional success, possible sadomasochistic motives of teachers in awarding grades, and grade assignment resulting from the teacher's sense of duty or responsibility to…

An "in-progress" grade concept was added to the grading policy of Harrisburg Area Community College (Pennsylvania) in November 1971. The "in-progress" grade, or Y grade as it is designated, signifies that a student has not successfully passed a course, but that with the agreement of the instructor he/she will repeat the course…

Inconsistent grading can be frustrating for students and embarrassing for teachers. To make grades more intelligible and systematic, a standard evaluation form such as the Diederich Scale can be valuable. Such a scale increases the teacher's responsibility and forces him (1) to define the meaning of the terms on the scale; (2) to define standards…

The report provides information concerning the variety and content of secondary social studies electives in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The main goal of the report is to encourage the exchange of ideas and curriculum information among educators. Questionnaires, inquiring about the social studies curriculum for grades 7-12, were mailed to the…

This paper describes a modular program at a community college for instructing non-science majors in college algebra. The two-course sequence is comprised of four modules each and successful completion of a module is required before a student proceeds to the next. Placement, grading policies, and scheduling are all discussed. A formative evaluation…

The articles in this volume address the teaching of composition. Chapters include D. G. Kehl's "A Rhetorical Question--With or Without an Answer," which examines the import of the rhetorical question, "How can I prepare my students for freshman English"; Arthur Donart's "A Behavioristic Approach to Teaching Freshman…

Previous reports from the office for student affairs at the University of Minnesota have contained a review of the literature on programs for high risk students, a description of the overall progress of students in the Martin Luther King (MLK) program, and a description of MLK students academic records. The present report continues this series and…

A learning-for-mastery approach, recommended by Bloom and based on key points suggested by Biehler, was used in large lecture sections of undergraduate educational psychology. Quizzes were composed of completion items; one or more alternate forms could be taken until mastery was achieved or grades raised. Students also did short papers on readings…

The purpose of this study was to review the methods currently used to report pupil progress and to evaluate report cards used experimentally in Vancouver schools during the 1971-72 school year. Five report cards were developed for primary grades and five more were developed for intermediate grades. Secondary schools were permitted to use any of…

The proposal in this document is based on the assumption that learning to learn is the most important outcome of professional and all formal education. It is suggested that a primary task of instruction is to assist the student to move from external motivation to internal motivation for learning and continuing to learn. It is proposed that these…

The final publication of the Commission on Undergraduate Education in the Biological Sciences provides one answer to the question, "Given the state of our society, of our institutions of higher education, and of the science of biology, what should be the goals of biological education in the years ahead?", by examining biology departments…