Saint Louis University has achieved a no-cost expansion of its staff and services by implementing a graduate-level Research Administration Practicum. The practicum has a dual focus: to enhance the graduate experience by integrating research skills and theory with practice; and to provide more staff at minimal expense. (MLW)

Discusses the use of commercial time sharing systems (BRS, DIALOG, and Dow Jones) by business administration students at the Wharton School, and describes a survey of alumni that examined their use of these systems after graduation. Possible reasons for the low correlation found between use of an online system in school and after graduation are…

Discussed is the graduate Reentry Program for Women at the University of Central Florida. Six components of the program are described: (1) mathematics review courses; (2) the program coordinator; (3) orientation meetings; (4) professional development day; (5) co-op jobs; and (6) social events that emphasize information. (YP)

Examines the conditions that undermine the quality of postsecondary writing instruction. Recommends alternatives in the form of guidelines for the professional recognition and treatment of tenure-line faculty, part-time and temporary full-time faculty, and graduate student instructors. (RS)

Provided is information on stipends from the last 3 surveys for 12 engineering disciplines. Notes that in 1987-88 the highest GTA and GRA stipends were awarded in the same field; materials science/metallurgical engineering. (MVL)

Analysis of 38 international teaching assistants' (ITA) performance on general-topic and field-specific SPEAK tests (tests of spoken English proficiency) indicated that, although ITAs as a group did not differ significantly in performance across the two tests, pass or fail recommendations for eight subjects would depend on which test was used. (27…

Findings from case studies of two second grade teachers who participated in an alternative Masters of Education program are reported. Each teacher entered the program with different educational philosophies and teaching practices. The studies traced the changes which emerged in the teachers' beliefs and practices. (IAH)

A study identified potential experiences influencing teaching assistants (TAs) either negatively or positively as they perform their tasks and decide whether to pursue college teaching. Results indicate TAs who plan to pursue college teaching as a career regard high-quality supervision as the single most positive influence on their decision.…

Reports findings of studies investigating the influence of default values (i.e., excellent, good, or poor) on the evaluative behavior of students completing computerized instruments for rating instruction. Respondents who were exposed to the excellent default rated the instructor more favorably. Order and contiguity of items did not influence…

A program in the School of Education at Queensland University of Technology (Australia), designed to improve the experience of graduate students in a research-based master's program, is described. Strategies for overcoming problems of student isolation and building a sense of belonging are highlighted. It is argued that graduate students need…

Discusses the relationship between prior computer experiences and the linear or nonlinear steps students choose when working with hypermedia environments and time spent on task (based on a study of graduate students). Experience with content-area software, word processing, databases, spreadsheets, programming, hypermedia, and authoring are…

Measures classification and subject cataloging errors in entry-level copy cataloging done by 20 library school students. Discusses the need to educate and train students on the importance of using subject-heading cataloging tools to create records. Explains the connection between classification, subject cataloging, and subject access by library…

Discusses the use of electronic mail in higher education and describes discussion groups conducted via electronic mail in a graduate seminar at the University of Colorado at Denver. Topics addressed include front end technology logistics and support; group dynamics; student attitudes; and suggestions for future research. (Contains eight…

Six undergraduate and three graduate classes (300 students) were given multiple-choice tests twice with subsequent evaluation of answer changes. Results indicate that, although instruction leads to a change in attitude in answer changing, the number of changes and overall gain due to changing do not change. (SLD)

International graduate students' speaking frequency in U.S. classrooms and reasons that deterred them from participating in class discussion were examined. Implications for those who work with international graduate students about ways to assist them with participating in class discussions (e.g., ESL instruction curriculum) are considered. (LKS)