Systematically determines the current status of the introductory small group communication course at American colleges and universities. Examines specific content areas being taught, pedagogical approaches used, and teaching problems encountered to identify current curricular trends in teaching the course, charting subsequent course modification,…

Describes and provides suggestions for organizing a gemology course for both geology and non-geology undergraduate majors. Includes a sample outline for the course and identifies equipment needed and specimens. Lists recommended supplementary course materials. (TW)

This paper gives the details of The Appalachian College Association, a non-profit organization made up of 34 four-year colleges and universities in the central Appalachian region. The member institutions range from under 700 students to over 3,000 students within multi-campus environments. These colleges and universities are located in some of the…

A study of distance education opportunities for second language learning in the Central States region, especially in the less commonly taught languages (LCTLs), investigated the need for such instruction, available technologies, and instructional course design. The first section examines the implications of distance language instruction for the…

Structures of first-year French courses in Canada are similar except for contact hours. Enrollment is generally increasing, despite staff funding problems. Textbook choices change slowly, and eclectic methodology predominates. Institutional enrollments, trends, class hours, and course types are charted, and a list of textbooks is included. (MSE)

A self-evaluation at North East London Polytechnic surveyed faculty for assessments of how 45 goal statements reflect the institution's actual objectives. The objectives cover governance, educational orientation, course design, admissions policy, school-community relationship, college role, innovation, and research. (MSE)

Results of an investigation of correspondence teaching methods and of a series of interviews with University of Waterloo faculty suggest that correspondence language instruction should be an integral part of continuing education and has a significant untapped market among adults. Recent technological advancements will serve this endeavor well.…

Wright State University School of Medicine uses community pathologists as unpaid volunteers to team teach pathology courses, making possible a small-group approach in the laboratory. The organization of the course and faculty teams, student evaluation, and results of this approach are discussed. (JMD)

Presents a syllabus for an undergraduate introductory course on political science. Includes an analysis and rationale of the course organization and materials from the instructor. Discusses the educational goals and objectives of the course and how these are met. Reprints instructions for the final required paper. (MJP)

Outlines a framework for integrated technology systems design that provides a competitive strategy that colleges and universities can use to harness and blend varied technological tools for expanding distance education. Looks at factors to consider in choosing among video-based, audio/video, and computer-based systems, and at applications of the…

A State University of New York/Buffalo course entitled "American Pluralism and the Search for Equality" became the centerpiece of a new general education core curriculum. The origins, design, criticisms, and support for the course, and the role of faculty in the successful, long-term interdisciplinary effort are discussed. (MSE)

Compared two group career decision-making courses with a comparison group on such factors as occupational certainty and satisfaction, appropriateness, and information-seeking behavior. Results were mixed, but generally the 20-session course was favored by study participants over the 10-session course. (Author/TE)

A University of British Columbia course in health care ethics, open to students from all health-care fields, encourages students to participate in interdisciplinary health-care decisionmaking in their future practice by providing an opportunity to study ethics together during professional training. The course objectives, organization, content, and…

This article discusses college-level writing assignments designed to stimulate students to (1) explore initial student attitudes, (2) activate prior knowledge, (3) increase subject relevance, (4) clarify and organize course material, (5) connect new and previously known material, (6) improve critical thinking skills, and (7) develop and strengthen…

A large introductory anthropology course at Utah State University was organized to promote collaboration among and between students and faculty. Students were divided into and worked in "clans" for the entire term. A study of the course suggests that learning and a sense of community resulted directly from this organization. (MSE)