Thin-section photomicrographs are used to introduce the introductory geology laboratory classes to many of the optical properties of minerals. Evaluation by questionnaire suggests that the study of thin sections has a positive effect on the enjoyment and understanding of rock identification and classification by introductory students. (Author/MA)

Describes an evaluation program established at the Yosemite Institute which emphasizes assessment to achieve smooth functioning, while avoiding increased cost, increased data gathering, and unwarranted interference in the activities of individual staff members. (SL)

Investigated was the effect of MACOS (Man: A Course of Study) on children's behavior. Conclusions included: (1) the study of a culture did not lead to more open attitudes toward culturally determined behavior; (2) the students' sex did not influence their attitudes about different cultural behaviors. (NQ)

Suggests benefits of a system in which feedback from students is utilized to improve sociology courses on the college level. Outlines student responsibilities in collecting information, soliciting feedback from fellow students, and in keeping the instructor informed about student attitudes. (Author/DB)

A description of the English-Ukrainian bilingual program in the primary grades of the Edmonton Public Schools. Objectives and evaluative criteria are given. Results show no significant difference between regular and bilingual classes in standardized test scores. Children learned a significant amount of Ukrainian. All concerned considered the…

Examines three models for an introductory natural science course and assesses possible contributions of the models to course planning in sociology. The vocational, inquiry, and humanistic models are discussed. The conclusion is that the inquiry and the humanistic models are most relevant to teaching of sociology. (Author/DB)

Student ratings of instruction were correlated with examination performance in 72 sections of seven courses. In two of the courses, students had been randomly assigned to sections. The pattern of correlations across the courses indicated that the global ratings of teacher effectiveness and of the value of the course to students were most highly…

A number of professors of English comment on the reading requirements of their departments, the amount of reading done by their students, and the ability of their students to handle the reading load. They also contrast their opinions against past practice and student ability of the 60's and early 70's. (RK)

Contends that the measure of a student's background knowledge and interest in an area of study significantly affect student ratings of instructors and courses. (MH)

The development of the Individualized Study System (ISS) in The Netherlands from 1970 to 1975 is reviewed and a case study for first-year engineering is described. A classification of ISS courses illustrates the complexity of the system, with advice offered on the management of individualized study systems. (Author/LBH)

Maintains that Transcript Analysis (TA) is capable of informing decision makers about a range of educational issues and reform proposals. Illustrates the potential of TA by examining the issues of educational quality and equity as reflected in patterns of academic vs non-academic course-taking among high school students. (BR)

A technique used in an undergraduate psychology class to reduce student incentives to fake data as they undertook a research project concerning marriage relationships is described. An evaluation of the technique suggested that it works. (RM)

British psychologists, who have taught in both the United States and Great Britain, compare the teaching of psychology in British and U.S. universities. Discussing similarities and differences in course structure, curriculum, teaching methods, and evaluation procedures, they suggest ways in which each system could benefit from some of the other's…

Reports the results of daily student ratings and instructor self-evaluations in undergraduate courses. Results showed a significant amount of agreement on ratings of material covered, instructor performance, and success of the class. These results are consistent with other studies which have argued that students provide valid course evaluations.…

A project involving third-year college geography students in determining the most accurate method of predicting mean flow velocity in a stream, using three different methods of estimating Manning's roughness coefficient, is described and evaluated. (Author/RM)