In a team-taught course that uses political novels and films, the concept of politics becomes more understandable to the students. Three different instructors representing political science, English, and film bring expertise to the course that is not usually possible for a single instructor. (Author/MLW)

Determines the effects of strict and lenient grading practices on the test performance of students with low, moderate and high SAT scores. Concludes that variations in grading scales affects how much students learn. Suggests that the effects of teacher and course evaluations by students be mediated by considering students' performance. (KO)

A review of the bibliographic instruction (BI) format for business and career information in a business writing class at Louisiana State University revealed that a new framework was needed. Problems of the current format, results of student surveys, questioning techniques, learning models, and the role of assignments were examined. The conceptual…

A study at Britain's University of Brighton assessed the use of the value-added concept to evaluate student performance in an undergraduate program in public administration. Subjects were three cohorts of program graduates (n=31, 36, 45) and three current student cohorts (n=47, 51, 60). The evaluation method attempts to improve on current input…

Effects of randomly distributing attitude-measurement items throughout a questionnaire (personality format) versus grouping together items from the same dimension (achievement format) on students' end-of-course evaluations were studied for 376 undergraduates. Advantages demonstrated for the achievement format in terms of statistical results,…

Describes a course on critical reading at Indiana University-Bloomington that uses case studies of problematic teaching situations and computer-assisted communications to help students develop dialectical thinking processes. The use of two computer programs, Electronic Classroom and RoundTable, is explained; argument analysis is discussed; and…

A survey of students in 17 continuing education courses of short duration for librarians and information scientists in the United Kingdom showed that attendees welcome an intellectual challenge, prefer practical-based courses over lectures, and attend courses to gain work-related skills and knowledge. (three references) (EA)

A University of Redlands (California) calculus course was redesigned to include computer demonstrations and homework assignments in which the computer could play an important role. Comparison of results of this instruction with that using traditional methods suggest the approach using computers has merit. (MSE)

A program using interactive software based on repertory grid techniques was used to monitor progress of first-year nursing students at the University of London, to learn student reactions to courses and illuminate individual difficulties and concerns. The approach is found to provide useful information to course providers and evaluators.…

Reports on the value of Project Work in INSET as practiced on 10-week courses at the Institute for English Language Education, Lancaster University. The two roles in which the student is addressed during the project (participant as writer or participant as researcher) are questioned. (six references) (GLR)

Two preservice master's-level courses in early-childhood special education were taught twice across two academic years through distance learning using two-way interactive television (ITV). Results indicated the 103 student participants generally rated ITV as acceptable but most would choose traditional course delivery. Factors crucial to success…

Explores cognitive aspects of learning and demonstrates how student feedback can be applied to improve Web-based teaching drawing on experiences with undergraduate courses at California State University, San Bernardino. Highlights include Web interactivity; HTML forms; and Web resources with forms for informal assessment. (LRW)

Describes the creation of a user-friendly manual for students interested in taking Developmental Psychology as an independent-study course. Outlines the process followed by the author to create the course and manual. Discusses all components of the course: test, films, and numerous examples of student-initiated activities. Mentions student…

Describes a project at the University of Nottingham (United Kingdom) that developed and evaluated modules for computer assisted instruction to teach cell biology to undergraduate nursing students. Topics include instructional effectiveness, feedback, and student attitudes. (LRW)

Evaluated a two-week induction course focusing on antiracist and antisexist practices in education for all first-year primary undergraduate education (BEd) students. Evaluations from 120 education students indicate that the course was seen as a positive way of preparing them for the challenge of teaching in the inner city. Racism in teacher…