This study investigated the effects of course structure variables on the computer anxiety, confidence, and attitudes of college students. Course structure variables include the number of weeks the course met (course length) and the number of meetings per week (course frequency). The effects of differences in instructors' use of anxiety reducing…

A common problem in an "experiential class" is the lack of attention devoted to group closure at the end of the course. Toward the end of the semester, students working in small groups in organizational behavior classes often experience anxiety over losing the support and identity that they enjoyed as members of a small learning group. A final…

Distance education course designers should be careful to ensure that the instructional materials they create are not only oriented towards the learners, but also that they do not make exorbitant demands on the teachers who are expected to use them. The materials should help the teacher to take advantage of the media available without undermining…

This lecture describes the organization and kinds of pedagogical research undertaken in the United Kingdom Open University and, through a case study of educational research in the recently introduced Arts Foundation Course (A102), to show how one type of research can contribute to course organization and development. The Institute of Educational…

This paper explores some possible methodologies and approaches to the teaching of empathic listening, an essential component of human communication and listening competency. It defines empathic listening as "feeling with" another: a cognitive understanding of what the other is communicating plus a sensitivity to their state of emotion.…

The article describes the development of the first of a series of courses to update nurses' knowledge and skills. Discussed are: personnel survey, course development, objectives, speakers, instructional methods (multimedia approach), class scheduling and publicity, student evaluation, approval for continuing education units, and positive response…

As a substitute for what he sees as confusion of separate introductory courses in the different areas, the author proposes an interdisciplinary social science-humanities course organized around basic questions about man's individual and group needs and behaviors, group relationships and processes, value systems, and techniques for creating and…

In answer to the quandry of environmental law teachers as to how to deal with the magnitude of environmental problems, the author proposes focus on the nature of the legal decision system as a tool for handling the environment before examining specific areas such as energy, transportation, etc. (JT)

Presents a design model for basic speech communication instruction in the community college and offers solutions to staffing and scheduling problems. (MH)

Author questions the idea that there are issues or points of conflict between science education and environmental education, presents some proposed characteristics of desirable environmental education programs, and suggests ways in which science education can contribute to the goals of environmental education. (PEB)

Provides solutions to the problems of recording the progress of individuals and providing a comprehensive report to the parent. Poses problems on microscope projection, electronic components in junior science, and innovative science projects throughout Australia. (GS)

The twelve characteristics of an ideal training course discussed in the article are based on the workshop course Criterion-Referenced Instruction: Analysis, Design and Implementation by Bob Mager and Peter Pipe. Behavioral objectives, provision for student differences, practice, feedback, diverse materials, and progress information are some of the…

Describes an experiment conducted with students learning computer programing through an extension program. Concludes that both students and instructors are very interested in and motivated toward designing the length and frequency of class meetings to meet their particular needs. (Author/WM)

Outlines a junior science program utilizing individualized instruction and audiovisual materials as important features of the student-centered program. (BR)

The paper describes the development of a course on evaluation in business and industry, offered as part of a Master's program in Human Resource Development. Since the average age of the students was 36, special emphasis was placed on structuring the class to increase relevance to the students' working lives and to ways adults learn best. A brief…