The extent to which current concern with teaching quality in British universities will enhance serious pedagogical development is examined. Recent government initiatives for faculty development from the Department of Employment are seen as useful but not a replacement for rigorous intellectual training, and improved incentives and funding. (MSE)

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)

Six case studies were conducted on the use of business games and simulations in higher education. Results showed that cognitive learning was greatly affected by particular approaches of students; competitiveness tends to have a negative effect on cognitive gains; and learning is enhanced by advance briefing and tutor involvement during the game.…

A study of the processes of curriculum and instructional development in the first-year public administration program at Melchester Polytechnic (England) drew on interviews with faculty. It is concluded that curricular and instructional change is intensely political and dependent on the organizational climate for change. (Author/MSE)

Among the barriers to acceptance of clinical problem-based medical education are institutional complacency and lack of rewards for teachers with academic competence in education rather than biological research and clinical care. (MSE)

A system for classifying educational objectives based on a description of personal attributes is proposed to fill the gap in analyzing and specifying objectives for professional education. The system's application to curriculum analysis and design in professional and other kinds of education is discussed. (MSE)

The use of cognitive social learning theory to help students plan independent study projects is examined and illustrated in the context of a Manchester Metropolitan University (England) senior project program. The theoretical model drawn from the theory focuses on self-regulated learning, and its application emphasizes students' development of…

The planning of continuing medical education (CME) for general practitioners in the province of Limburg is outlined, including a survey of practitioners concerning their educational needs, a followup study to an intensive CME course, and an outline of a new curriculum approach. (MSE)

This paper describes the implementation of an intervention strategy to bring about collective change in an educational organization. Key elements of the strategy, such as problem identification and design of a staff development program, are identified. Application of the strategy to increasing the computer awareness of faculty at an Australian…

The higher education component of professional education neglects to teach some important non-exclusive skills such as working in one-to-one situations, working in teams and cooperative situations, continued learning, organization of one's work, and enabling others to learn. (MSE)

Course content in professional education is a weak indicator of whether the student will develop professional competence. An independent study course available in London for professionals emphasizes development of cognitive abilities to organize and present complex information and to learn inductively from experience, accurate empathy, proactive…

The study interviewed 20 university teachers of architecture recognized for excellent studio teaching. Fourteen factors contributing to effective studio teaching were identified, including teacher vitality, a match between teacher interests and the course, the frequent use of questioning techniques, use of students' interests, encouragement of…

Empirical studies of the connection between humor and learning indicate that humor can increase student attention and interest. Presentation of humorous material involves skills that can be learned through practice, and faculty development programs for teachers to acquire these skills should be made available. (MSE)

A discussion of the structure of the social sciences doctorate in the United Kingdom looks at the debate over whether the doctoral degree process should be viewed as education or training, the situation in other countries, graduate student learning and development processes, collegiality, the graduate student-advisor relationship, and student…

This paper analyzes the implementation of a staff development and appraisal scheme at the University of Birmingham, England. The analysis focuses on the stakeholders and the decisive factors that were influential in effecting this innovation. Explored are three perspectives on leadership on how appraisers can become more effective. (GLR)