System models are commonly used in tertiary education as a mechanism for describing the interacting components of educational phenomena, but have hitherto been uncritically accepted. This paper provides a critical review of existing systems models, including the 3P model defined Biggs, and outlines their conceptual challenges. A revised model…

The article describes organizing a seminar in the humanities as a "metalogue" where the object of study is both a text and the occasion itself, as well as the conscious analogical relation between the two. Two examples of the seminar as metalogue are offered. (Author/DB)

A major undergraduate problem-solving exercise is described concerning a problem of foreign policy formation. The teaching strategy is outlined and important issues in the process are identified and discussed. Guidelines for improving the strategy and an outline plan for introductory sequences prior to the exercise are included. (Author/MLW)

The development, evaluation and underlying rationale of a two-day course on explaining and lecturing is described. It is argued that since lecturing is the major method of teaching in universities it is important to help lecturers improve their technique and make them aware of their strengths and weaknesses. (Author/MLW)

An instructional approach used in a civil engineering curriculum at Queens University of Belfast (Northern Ireland) incorporates development of communication skills into active learning assignments. A "learning from disasters" exercise and two mock public inquiries illustrate the use and benefits of the technique. (Author/MSE)