Web-based instruction in graduate nursing courses was built on learner-centered and adult learning philosophies and interaction at several points: precourse, course start-up, course maintenance, and course closure. Students were relatively satisfied, found the courses convenient, were moderately engaged in active learning, and felt prepared for…

Advocates separating the curriculum of deviance from criminological theory. Offers descriptions of a deviance course (introductory material, theories and issues in rule-making, and understanding rule-breaking behavior) and a criminological theory course (introductory discussion, theory focusing on the individual and social context, and critical…

In 2000, the New South Wales Board of Studies introduced new syllabi for Junior Science (years 7-10) and Senior Science subjects (years 11 and 12), i.e. Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Earth and Environmental Science (Geology). The structure of these courses is similar: it is based on a contextual perspective and is underpinned by a number of…

This paper reports on the process of developing a blended online engineering course at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology of the University of Botswana. It presents the actual development process in terms of its management, the University's preferred pedagogical approach to student-centred learning and the consequent technological choices…

Relationship abuse is among the most challenging topics sexuality educators have to address in their classrooms. Due to the sensitive nature of the topic, it is important to allow time for content (which is to be provided in a subsequent session) as well as an exploration of one's own values and beliefs. This full-session activity is designed to…

Multilevel SEM was used to examine the extent to which student, instructor, and course characteristics affect student ratings. Data were gathered from 1867 students enrolled in 117 courses at a large teacher training college in Israel. Four alternative two-level models that differ in only the nature of the relationship among interest in the course…

In this article, the authors introduce 3 different course formats for teaching management consulting at the university. On the basis of data from self-evaluation questionnaires from 159 students, the authors analyze effectiveness of these course designs in raising the self-confidence of participants to cope with the kind of tasks typically faced…

How could we design course programmes in a teachers' learning community context? Is it possible to conceive a concrete and appropriate course model? And if so, how could we assess the effectiveness of such a course model in such a complex learning situation? In this paper, a model implementation of technology-based courses is presented. The model…

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…