The Senior Seminar in Communication Theory at George Mason University was originally designed to provide graduating seniors with an opportunity to study a variety of communication theories from all areas of the discipline. More recently it has also been used as a "capstone" course to assess student outcomes, allowing faculty to observe a…

The six editions of this newsletter provide a forum for the sharing of research findings and instructional strategies by faculty of Western Michigan University on issues connected with critical thinking. Topics addressed include alternative program designs for critical thinking instruction, a philosophical exploration of what critical thinking is,…

A study evaluated the impact of microcomputers and software in advertising media courses by surveying media planning instructors in 71 (out of 111) colleges and universities. The survey asked instructors to evaluate textbooks, workbooks, and computer software; to assess the impact of software on the media course; and to compare software users with…

A study examined an initial effort to restructure the content, format, and instruction of a preservice literacy methods course and the effect it had on 13 preservice teachers relative to their movement toward reflective inquiry and practice in literacy teaching. Data were collected from the preservice teachers using questionnaires, journals,…

Developing instruction is a critical part of the education process. For instruction to be effective it should be organized and well planned. Development of an effective program should include careful consideration of the need for instruction, the audience, and the course content. Instruction delivered via telecommunications can be even more…

Varied aspects of Swedish Distance Education are described in this report, which is based primarily on an evaluation that analyzed student background, study problems, student use of and attitudes towards distance aids, study results, and the psychological consequences of distance education. Emphasis is on an investigation of distance education…

The author discusses the problem of making philosophy courses relevant to the needs of college students and relevance with modern problems compatable with traditional philosophy. He suggests various approaches including the application of logic to contemporary social arguments and ways of combining the study of traditional philosophers with…

Teaching modules are suggested as one method of teaching Russian. Review units, vocabulary and grammar units could be constructed using computers, audiovisual aids and other teaching machines to equalize students' preparation, solve problems in weak areas and provide flexible sequences of instruction. (CHK)

A discussion of educational design with emphasis on development of behaviorally stated objectives for a course. (JT)

Weekly testing coupled with a mastery performance requirement generated higher student performance in an introductory psychology class. (DE)

Describes an environmental studies course for first year high school students and the rationale behind the course development. (BR)

The major program components of the Chemistry 30 curriculum are outlined in this document. These key elements include: (1) process skills; (2) psychomotor skills; (3) attitudes; and (4) concepts (subject matter). Each of the components has been assigned an emphasis rating (expressed in a percentage) and a priority rating (designated by a ranking…

The major program components of the Physics 30 curriculum are outlined in this document. These key elements include: (1) process skills; (2) psychomotor skills; (3) attitudes; and (4) concepts (subject matter). Each of the components has been assigned an emphasis rating (expressed in a percentage) and a priority rating (designated by a ranking of…

A college-level course about the effects of television on children and the process of social policy formation is described in terms of pedagogical goals, strategies, and perspectives. The proposed course of instruction focuses on three primary areas of study: (1) child-related issues; (2) television-related issues; and (3) policy-related issues.…