The word "idea" assumed special meaning in composition studies when Stephen M. North, in "The Idea of a Writing Center," showed how an idea can evoke and ignite intense expectations and aversions surrounding literacy instruction. In particular, North lamented the "false sense of knowing" that made getting a message through (in this case, about…

Discusses the role that feminist issues played in a summer institute at the Literature Institute for Teachers and the role of feminist theory in teacher education. Shares thoughts about the role of feminist theory in the classroom. (MG)

Suggests that the ideal relationship between the writing center and an English department's writing program is almost symbiotic, each benefiting the other and both forwarding writing as a powerful tool for writing. Describes the writing centers at Montana State University and University of Nevada, Reno. (RS)

Discusses the history of the writing center at the California University of Pennsylvania. Concludes that writing centers are subject to the same social and political forces that affect all educational issues and decisions. Argues that writing centers must prepare to live politically if they are to continue to grow as progressive resources within…

Discusses the confusion that results from differences among various labels used in developmental and basic education programs. Proposes clarification of such terms as "center,""lab,""individualized," and "clinic" and suggests definitions for proper usage. (DR)

Explains that the writing center is a computerized tutoring room where high school students can get individualized help with their writing. Describes some of the activities and problems of one such center. Suggests that the center can help students learn to be good writers and become more familiar with computer technology. (SG)

Described is the undergraduate curriculum in physics and its relationship to astronomy at Cambridge University. Discussed are the astronomical research and research establishments at Cambridge. Personal views of a student on the postgraduate research being done at Cambridge are also included. (KR)

Presents six short articles by tutoring program coordinators and peer tutors from writing centers at the University of Washington and California State University, Chico. Offers points of view on the experiences, responsibilities, problems, and possibilities of cultural diversity in higher education. Focuses on the importance of critical reflection…

A number of circumstances challenge the very notion of the provision of mental health services that are effective, accessible, and sustainable in the most impoverished urban settings. These circumstances pose significant challenges to conducting research on alternative mental health practices of sufficient quality and rigor necessary to pass…

After introductory material outlining some of the major challenges facing community colleges today, this paper examines the efforts undertaken by Chabot College, California, to meet the demands of the problems posed by "new students" and fiscal constraints. Described first are Chabot's two mastery learning centers, at which students…

The workshop represented in this proceedings was conducted to stimulate dialogue on the place of remedial instruction in postsecondary education and to promote the effectiveness of remedial/developmental education and the maintenance of educational quality. The proceedings begin with an introduction to the workshop and its 14 resulting…

Described is a series of workshops designed to familiarize teachers with the social and legal background, principles of humane care, ethical considerations, and philosophies that influence animal use in the classroom. Discussed are the value of dissection, alternatives to dissection, and student reactions to dissection. (CW)

Describes the role of technology in teaching foreign languages. Offers a brief history of language lab technologies, including computer use for drill-and-practice, text reconstruction, and simulations and games. Discusses tool programs, intelligent systems, video technology, satellite television, videodisc and interactive video, hypertext and…

The teaching of English as a second language (ESL) to adults and students in the United Kingdom is examined with respect to teacher training program design. Articles are devoted to ESL teacher training programs at the University of Edinburgh, the University College of North Wales at Bangor, the University of Lancaster, and the University of…