Factor analysis of grades received by 314 primary teachers graduating from a Scottish institution in 1988 or 1996 found that in both years, course of study accounted for over 60% of variance among teacher competencies. The institution's two types of training produced teachers who were stronger either in assessment and subject content or in…

An "Appalachia in the Media" course engages college students in field-based research examining movies, music, television shows, novels, newspapers, museum exhibits, even hillbilly trinkets and doodads. Students submit a document describing the field project and analyzing the findings, then give an oral summary presentation. Finally, the projects…

Describes cooperative program between a university counseling service and the dean's office of the College of Architecture and Design. Discusses 10-week seminar for students identified as on probation from previous semester, focusing on program emphasis on involvement, personal issues, peer influence, problem solving, behavior change, and skill…

Examines the place of geomorphology in undergraduate programs in the United Kingdom. A questionnaire survey reveals that geomorphology is widely taught in all geo- and environmental sciences, but that teaching methods and the size of the curriculum vary significantly between disciplines. (LS)

Describes and examines the effects of the eight-week Summer Science Training Program at the University of Iowa. There was no significant differences between students who had completed high school physics and those who had not on the final course examination, course grade, and attitudes toward physics. (Author/YP)

Administered Noncognitive Questionnaire to 230 international students prior to matriculation as college freshmen. Results identified noncognitive variables predictive of student use of counseling center services over four-year period. Counseling center use was significantly predicted by students' understanding and ability to deal with racism,…

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is examined as the impetus for many special admission policies used to admit learning-disabled students into U.S. colleges. Program services provided to these students include diagnostic testing and prescriptive planning, program advisement, instructional assistance, and counseling. (Author/JDD)

Examines the history of curriculum development at Brooklyn College (New York) in order to show that a coherent general education requirement is most likely to address the problem of student diversity. Suggests this core curriculum can be replicated at other institutions. Emphasizes the need for sustained faculty development. (KO)

This paper presents the findings of an investigation of the academic appraisal program at the University of Ulster (Northern Island), used to evaluate the performance of faculty. The evidence reveals inconsistency, tension, and uncertainty about the program and its effects. (MDM)

Reports on a 6-year study of 10 Open University students that examined their development as learners. Findings based on a series of interviews showed an increase in self-confidence, effectiveness in coping with the system, and self-reliance and a deeper understanding of the nature of knowledge and what constitutes learning. (17 references) (EA)

"False beginners" are students who are ethnically Chinese but are not native speakers of Chinese, and their mixture in language classes with true beginners is problematic. Merits of an individualized teaching program in elementary Chinese for false beginners offered at Ohio State University is described. (JP)

The practice of "franchising" higher education programs, or provision of educational programs through vendors, is examined as it occurs in the United Kingdom as a result of recent educational policy changes. A set of principles for assuring the quality of such programs is proposed. (MSE)

Studied relationship between college programs in prisons and societal adjustment as well as participation in college programs. Examined postrelease success of 526 offenders enrolled in college, vocational, secondary, and elementary programs while incarcerated. Results were mixed, but college program participants had better adjustment scores…

Describes a study which used the Community College Goals Inventory to survey the presidents, academic administrators, and trustees of 22 North Carolina community colleges and several state-level administrators regarding the importance of 80 goals. Finds support for the traditional goals of vocational/technical preparation, general education, and…

Presents a comprehensive definition of service learning in postsecondary education. Provides examples of service learning programs in community colleges. Discusses national initiatives to promote service learning experiences for students. Summarizes best practices for starting and managing such programs based on case studies in the literature…