The development, introduction, and evaluation of an instructional unit on suicide intervention by pharmacists are presented. Pre- and post-test results reveal significant increases in pharmacy students' knowledge and ability to recognize simulated suicidal behavior and appropriate intervention techniques. Descriptions of the videotaped simulations…

Discusses a study to compare results of one- and two-semester college economics courses in three areas--recognition and understanding of economic concepts, simple application, and complex application. Findings indicated that, although students did learn more in two semesters, one could question whether the marginal cost exceeded the marginal…

Describes a research methods course in sociology which utilizes the computer in all facets of instruction: facilitating statistical computation, providing individually paced learning, and performing administrative tasks. Considers problems in course development and discusses positive evaluations by students and faculty. (Author/AV)

"A lot of what passes for thinking in schools is simply fluent talking." So says Edward de Bono, author of several books on thinking, and developer of Cognitive Research Trust (CoRT), who thinks children can and should be taught "thinking skills." (Editor/RK)

Examines a three-tiered class structure: a mass lecture followed by small group instruction followed by student-directed discussion sessions. Course evaluations by staff and students were generally favorable to this approach. Discusses the design of other economically efficient educational processes. For journal availability, see SO 506 073. (JK)

Describes a seminar on teaching techniques for graduate students and college faculty in terms of course design, teaching assumptions, content, format, and evaluation techniques. Initially designed for psychology graduates, the course recently has included participants from 11 other disciplines. The seminar stresses broad topic coverage, teaching…

This study suggests that academic desensitization may be due to increases in student power associated with the emergence of an enrollment economy and the increased use of student evaluations. A questionnaire administered to 400 university students was used to investigate their preferences in teaching styles. (Author)

Twenty-eight different courses in Britain, Europe, and the U.S. were examined, most of which involved participants only as passive members of an audience listening to a lecture or watching a demonstration. Preferences were for a workshop design that is flexible, learner-oriented, and encourages individuals to study themselves in a learning group…

Since judgments of teaching and teachers should be distinguished, six arguments for using the students' opinions are reviewed and three counter-arguments are presented. It is shown that many previous validity studies are based upon a logical error and that none justifies the validity of students' opinions of teaching. Subjectivity may be the cause…

In three of four physiology topics studied, audiotape/booklet use was a significantly more effective method of study than the conventional method of text books and lecture notes. Student response was favorable as well as academic achievement. (Author/LBH)

The present paper reports the results of a factor analysis of the rating scales used by graduate students enrolled in counselor education programs at Western Michigan University to evaluate perceived quality of instruction. Implications of the factor structure for counselor educators are discussed. (Author)

Three courses were studied using several methods: observation of selected sequences of lecture and tutorial classes, videotape recordings, discussions with groups of students, and student questionnaires. Each course raised its own problems, some of which were uniquely related to the interaction within that course of aims, context, and delivery.…

Cognitive and affective differences were examined for 20 classrooms of eleventh grade students exposed to either a mini or traditional social studies curriculum. Findings are discussed in the context of curricular innovations. (Editor/RK)

Discusses a survey of business professionals and business teachers to determine the written communication problems of recent college graduates and solicits opinions about the content of the college business curriculum. (MH)

Investigates the stability of college student ratings of course, instructor, course characteristics, and instructor characteristics across time; compares ratings across time to ratings at a given time; and considers as a result of these analyses how useful ratings are to students in selecting courses. (Author)