In a broad institutional planning exercise, Ramapo College (New Jersey) used charts to analyze the state of the college and brought in a theater and set designer to help assess the institutional context for its work. The technique has been used to explore organizational patterns in staff utilization, curriculum design and organization, space…

This study examined the relationship of freshman courses to student (n=210) gains in reading, mathematics, and critical thinking skills. Courses were categorized according to broad discipline type (hard or soft, pure or applied), general field, or as individual courses. Freshman learning in mathematics appeared better associated with coursework…

It is in curriculum reform that higher education leaders must show their greatest leadership by showing vision, example, and direction for positive change. Content, humanism, professional skills, and general learning skills and attitudes are essential to a complete education. Faculty must be supported in their involvement in curriculum reform.…

This paper examines university-industry cooperation in France. It discusses four successive periods in universities' commitment to professionalizing the curriculum and presents specific strategies that have been adopted, such as work study programs, dividing university training courses into smaller units, and industry-university cooperative…

At the beginning of each academic year, Shippensburg University (Pennsylvania) organizes small group book discussion sessions designed to draw freshmen into the academic culture and develop critical thought processes. Considerations in selecting books for discussion and in preparing for and orchestrating the sessions are outlined. Some unresolved…

Higher education reform is failing because public policies address a student population that no longer dominates and are too weak to support the curricular changes necessary. Contracts between policymakers and institutions that specify and require reporting of program outcomes would involve students and institutions in the responsibility for those…

An Association of American Colleges report recommends changes to strengthen undergraduate instruction, urging academic departments to (1) consider how courses in a major relate to each other and to outside courses and (2) structure majors so students can build on their knowledge, tying it together in a final senior experience. (MSE)

Despite pressing need for ecological literacy in an increasingly interdependent global society, higher education has not responded adequately and opportunity for curricular reform exists. The University of Montana offers an interdisciplinary master's program in environmental studies and infuses the general education curriculum with environmental…

Whereas higher education in general has not fully met its responsibility for preparing individuals for international citizenship, a group of 50 small, selective, independent liberal arts colleges has made a substantial contribution through their long-standing commitments to international matters in both curriculum and institutional environment.…

The loss of balance among the functions of the research university (instruction, basic and applied research, and professional training and service) produces a crisis of values. Many of the university's problems can be traced to this disequilibrium. Without increasing the value placed on teaching, curricular reform will be ineffectual. (MSE)

Underscores the importance of classroom climate and innovative teaching methods in creating a fertile environment for the teaching of critical thinking. Argues that critical thinking requires active learning. Briefly describes strategies such as five-minute "writes," panel presentations, discipline worksheets, and assignment interviews as ways of…

In a speech to University of Chicago (Illinois) students, an educator encourages students to challenge intellectual authority, allow their own assumptions to be challenged, become involved, be open to traditional curriculum content, and generally, keep an open mind. (MSE)

Examines theories of culture that form the image of the multicultural university. Notes that most culture critics argue that theory is ideological and reality is socially constructed. Claims Eurocentric theories as a reflection of those in power, and conflict is the predominant feature of culture. Suggests implications for curriculum and…

Reviews advances in general education reforms over the last decade, focusing on curricular content and change. Calls for a new reform movement involving active learning, the development of new pedagogies appropriate to new goals, and the creation of college cultures supportive of general education. Highlights model two-year college programs. (PAA)

Conjoint analysis, commonly used in product development, was used to determine the graduate education needs and program preferences of business administration graduates. Results suggest an accelerated and abbreviated Master's in Business Administration would be preferred to an master's degree, without detracting from existing programs or being…