Action research examined student and faculty responses to delivery-system changes in a university early childhood philosophy course and an assessment method. Results showed that, although students experienced performance pressure and personal discomfort, they appreciated individual attention, the trust evidenced by curriculum unit checks, and the…

Building on prior teacher workshops, online courses were developed to support classroom implementation of Ohio's English language arts standards by providing models of exemplary classroom practices and creating an online teacher community for sharing experiences and ideas. Although participants in the first course were primarily older teachers…

Discusses an evaluation of WebCT (Web Course Tools) in practice at University of New South Wales (Australia) to assess the accessibility of WebCT for people with sensory, cognitive, and physical disabilities. Topics include evaluation methodology; learner-centered courseware design model; course evaluation by students; staff perceptions; and…

Presents an evaluation of a computer-aided personalized system of instruction program in two undergraduate psychology courses. The computer presented short essay tests and arranged for students who had completed various assignments satisfactorily to help evaluate other students' mastery of those assignments. Student response generally was…

Reports on a study conducted by a university geography department and its school of education. They divided a World Regional Geography class into two groups. One utilized the traditional lecture method; the other implemented a collaborative learning approach. No significant gain was realized at the conclusion of the study. (MJP)

Using a standard economics course as a control group, tests the relative effectiveness of "Economics U$A," a telecourse on student achievement and attitudes in both on-campus and off-campus settings. Concludes that the telecourse can be used successfully in nontraditional courses, and that delivery format may have an impact on student…

Stresses the need for chemical engineering education to keep abreast of current needs. Explores the need for global economics, marketing strategy, product differentiation, and patent law in the curriculum. Questions the abilities of current chemical engineering graduate students in those areas. (MVL)

Describes the addition of a microcomputer component to a Tulane University (Louisiana) undergraduate history course on the Salem witchcraft trials. Discusses the use of a statistical package and a data set to analyze and display data and the enhancement of the active learning approach by introducing students to quantitative methods of historical…

This case study examines the learning tasks associated with undergraduates' use of a computer graphics presentation package at The Queen's University (Belfast, Ireland). Results of a summative evaluation are discussed, including the role of the lecturer, learning resources, and group participation; and prior knowledge is considered. (LRW)

Describes the use of a microcomputer as a communication link to provide instruction simultaneously to graduate students on campus and off campus for a course on statistical methods at the University of Georgia. Topics discussed include course structure; problems; costs; academic results; student attitudes; and student course evaluations. (18…

Describes and evaluates the format and grading procedure of an Environmental Agronomy course offered at Colorado State University. Teaching methods include videotape use, field trips, and lectures addressing topics such as integrated pest management, land application of sewage sludge, pesticide degradation, and organic farming. Standard course…

Evaluation of a graduate course in educational research, within a professional development for teachers, is discussed. The course was modularized and taught in varied contexts and locations and by different instructors overseas, is discussed. Issues arising during the development of a course evaluation instrument are examined, and development of…

A study investigated the attitudes of engineering students (n=167) and graduates (n=220) who had taken courses which were enhanced to better prepare them for professional practice than conventional courses. In general, these students and graduates viewed their courses more favorably than those (n=353) in conventional courses. Some complaints were…

Discusses the use of Total Quality Management (TQM) in education and describes the use of a database management system to evaluate and monitor university course effectiveness. Principles of TQM and feedback from students, faculty, administration, alumni, and employers to monitor the content and structure of various courses are included. (13…

Reports on a study that compared graduate student and faculty views of effective psychology courses. Finds that students placed greater emphasis on course components directly related to their class performance. Suggests strategies for addressing the different perspectives of students and faculty. (CFR)