Major functions of teaching assistants (TAs) and innovative methods are proposed. TAs help students learn through interaction, coach students in higher thinking skills, and provide a communication channel to integrate the course. A course planning guide based on performance objectives and classroom activities to stimulate student participation are…

Reviews the state of user education in Australian postsecondary educational institution libraries. Conclusions are based on results of a questionnaire survey of user education practices conducted in 1981. Courses in information retrieval, objectives of user education at six institutions, methods and media used, and course evaluation are…

Describes the comprehensive curriculum approach and teacher training program on the Jewish Holocaust that has been developed for adolescents by Facing History and Ourselves, a nonprofit organization. Course objectives, problems teachers will encounter, and student response are discussed. (MBR)

After noting classroom techniques that made a difference in student learning, the authors focus on reducing the distractions of a school environment and providing principals a classroom observation instrument. They suggest a student observation form to be used by principals, analyzing six student behavior categories. (JW)

The Fine Arts Standards of Learning in this publication represent a major development in public education in Virginia, emphasizing the importance of instruction in the fine arts (dance arts, music, theatre arts, and visual arts) as an important part of Virginia's efforts to provide challenging educational programs in the public schools. Knowledge…

This book is intended to help college faculty effectively design and evaluate courses and curricula. The 16 chapters address the following topics: a learning-centered approach to course and curriculum design; a systematic design model (showing benefits); the decision to begin a curriculum project; getting started; linking goals, courses, and…

Many cooperative learning programs are merely exhibitions of the willingness to work with others. They apply teams of people to do work that could be accomplished just as well by individuals. Successful programs focus on collaborative learning that fosters working together to solve problems beyond the capacity of any individual. A cooperative…

A number of recent reports note that colleges of education could do a better job in technology training. Most evident in these reports is the call for teachers to learn how to integrate technology into their instruction, rather than just learning technology skills in isolation. To heed recommendations and better respond to student needs, the…

Social studies methods instructors were asked to describe: (1) their own teaching goals and strategies; and (2) attributes they deemed essential for good teaching in elementary and secondary schools. Survey results indicated that the teacher educators' instructional techniques were limited and that their goals were unrelated to the qualities they…

A university chemistry comprehensive final examination was analyzed to determine the extent to which it reflected the subject matter of the corresponding degree program. Although the various courses seemed adequately represented, the sampling of topics within a course tended to be low. The appropriateness of this form of assessment is discussed.…

A science course is described in which students worked in moderately self-paced groups in a learning center with all the necessary resources on hand. Course objectives and organization are outlined and an evaluation of the course is presented that includes student reactions, staff opinions, and examination and project results. (Author/JMD)

It is suggested that the pharmacist can provide a vital information link between parents, teachers, and the family physician in the management and treatment of children with learning disabilities. A course is outlined that integrates a clinical clerkship in the field into the pharmacy curriculum. (MSE)

Described are science objectives for middle schools. Suggested objectives include recognition of student physical and intellectual development; problem solving skills; integration of science, math and social science skills; and development of creative curricula to assist early adolescents to cope in a scientific and technological world. (DS)

The diversity of a student body may call for new structures to meet their learning needs. The traditional college organization (the course unit of instruction, the academic department, and the lack of easy interdepartmental cooperation) may hinder both the articulation of common educational problems and the solutions to them. (Author/MLW)

Examines the shortcomings of the two major schools, behavioral and humanistic, that presently dominate the educational establishment's thinking about developing course objectives. Proposes a new pedagogical approach which allows educators to develop course objectives that illuminate the relationship between classroom methodology and content, and…