Describes a study conducted at Oakland University (Michigan) to examine the degree to which syllabi in general education classes reference general education guidelines. Finds that knowledge transmission was primary in syllabi, whereas skills and attitude development were less emphasized. Proposes that syllabi can be used better by promoting the…

The development and implementation of a clinic to offer advanced study in business organizations and commercial law transactions for third-year law students at Wayne State University (Michigan) are described. The course builds vertically on prior study and puts students in contact with practicing lawyers in an academic setting. Considerations…

Addresses the possible impact of block scheduling on student performance on the advanced placement (AP) examination. Discusses team-teaching AP history and English courses for both junior and senior levels using alternative schedules (alternating weeks for AP English and history throughout the school year). Provides two AP syllabi for history and…

After 4 years of debate, the National Collegiate Athletic Association agreed in January 2000 to accept high-school principals' descriptions of their courses, rather than to continue judging courses through the clearinghouse. Persistence, a sense of humor, and sympathetic journalists aided the protest effort. (MLH)

Explains the implementation of forensic science in an integrated curriculum and discusses the advantages of this approach. Lists the forensic science course syllabi studied in three high schools. Discusses the unit on polymers in detail. (YDS)

Describes two different experiments at De Anza College which illustrate coordinated teaching, a concept in which a group of faculty volunteer to work together for better instruction within the context of an existing program, maintaining their usual approaches to teaching a course, but allowing for collegial effort, some common work, and…

Provides an example of how engagement with a public entity is incorporated into Portland State University's undergraduate curriculum. Details the development of a science-based service learning course that combines academic rigor with a community-based experience. (EV)

Describes the evolution of the seven major physics syllabi used in all secondary schools in China and analyzes the shifts of these syllabi in terms of objectives, content, instructional hours and teaching methods. Suggests changes for China's future secondary-physics education, including the need for modern experimental equipment such as computers…

Describes attempts to move physics discussions out of the classroom and onto the Internet where students can participate any time through the use of an electronic message board. (WRM)

Examines materials provided to adult, part-time students of the British Open University's language courses and highlights elements of the courses that are explicitly political education. Draws on interviews with course creators to explore cultural content and representations of the target culture. Attempts to make explicit the implicit assumptions…

State accountability systems that are based on test data and the No Child Left Behind Act have put educators under great pressure to improve their students' scores on standardized tests. Much has been written about the possibility that school faculties will resort to "drill and kill," a response that will reduce the quality of children's…

Although many of us would like to get beyond lecturing, we often lack concrete strategies for doing so, particularly in our larger classes. This paper suggests one such strategy for creating a discussion-based course. The success of such a course is predicated on students reading and thinking about the course material (receiving "first exposure")…

The paper presents a teaching regime and evaluation criteria for a general education course in biology. The purpose of the course is to provide students with biological information to help them understand problems facing humans and some of the social and ethical aspects of these problems. Using input from students concerning what constitutes a…

This study categorized writing assignments required in undergraduate and graduate business courses and examined the characteristics of as well as skills needed for completing the assignments. Data sources included 95 course syllabi and handouts on writing assignments, 12 student writing samples, and six interviews with business faculty. Data…

Universities increasingly adopt innovative teaching models, which focus on the development of skills instead of the reproduction of knowledge. These new teaching models emphasise the importance of knowledge application and the development of competencies. Yet, using these teaching methods usually implies a high assessment burden for lecturers.…