A survey of 365 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University faculty investigated undergraduate grading policies and practices across disciplines. Results reveal patterns in teacher treatment of absolute vs. relative standards, grade recording and averaging, unexcused absences, late work, class participation, and non-achievement-related…

Techniques for teaching electronic library research skills to college students with computer anxiety are outlined. The approach focuses on active learning techniques (journal writing, problem solving, sorting, database indexing, use of flow charts) using the ERIC bibliographic database and careful design of assignments that encourage active…

Discusses writing techniques and assessment methods used in an interdisciplinary writing course. Recommends freewriting, small-group writing assignments, and peer tutoring. Supports assessment by more than one faculty evaluator, peer feedback, and optional versus mandatory rewriting. (CFR)

Investigates the ability of third-grade students to generate essays either by hand or with a word processing program. Indicates that the length and quality of the handwritten essays were superior to the computer-generated ones, suggesting that third-grade students were not as efficient in using a word processing program to generate essays as they…

This article describes the effort to prepare college students for lifelong learning through "connected learning," in which learning occurs through active engagement. It also offers guidance for classroom practice including class discussion, reading lists, journals, cooperative learning, questioning and listening skills, and listening and teaching.…

Reviews the computer simulation, "Civilization," and asserts that it offers exciting possibilities as an interactive introduction to world history and historical thinking. Includes a course syllabus in which "Civilization" serves as a central feature and two writing assignments based on the simulation. (CFR)

Describes a course entitled "DNA and Evolution" in which students develop an appreciation for what science is and how it is practiced as well as an understanding of how some of the most central ideas in biology were developed and tested. Discusses the design of the course, the lecture and discussion topics, and the results and their…

Asserts that feminist instructors try to foster personal and social change. Maintains that feminist teachers must encourage activism in their classrooms to keep feminist culture alive. Describes two outside student activities, discusses group projects, and provides suggestions on student evaluation. (CFR)

Describes an undergraduate psychology course focusing on children's social development during the middle childhood years. Students select, view, and analyze a feature film using theory and research presented in the course. Includes a table listing 18 films used in the course. (CFR)

This paper examines the context, content, and practices of a writing course developed especially for English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) graduate students at Purdue University. It also reports faculty and students reactions toward the course and its requirements. (17 references) (MDM)

Presents a study in which students in an abnormal psychology class rated the usefulness of drafts for two writing assignments. Reports that a research proposal was more effective than a case study in generating interest in psychology and opportunity for creativity. Concludes that writing assignments should reflect important aspects of a…

Provides fully developed library media activities, most of which are designed to be used in connection with specific curriculum units: home economics (grades 6-7); geometry in architecture (grades 7-12); word games (grades 6 and up); writing instruction (secondary school); the Civil War (grades 6-9); and social studies (grades 7-8). (SD)

Explores female and male students' attitudes toward school work in terms of application and achievement, using data from interviews with students, teachers, careers officers, and welfare officers in three semirural public schools in England. Results suggest a problem of "equalizing opportunities" for all young people, rather than…

Describes the University of California (Irvine) one-year humanities core course as hermeneutically and contextually oriented. Explains course development, structure, and organization and provides the reading list. Students assignments include essays and a dialectical notebook. Provides a three-day fall seminar for the teaching staff. Finds course…

Provides a structure for inquiry into human nature and ways to perceive and control behavior. Promotes understanding of political systems, explaining they are based on beliefs about human nature. Outlines activities in which students write position papers and debate the issues. Includes questions for classroom discussions and handouts. (NL)