This paper provides information about noncredit instruction in the California Community Colleges and updates the 2009 paper "Noncredit Instruction: Opportunity and Challenge" to incorporate subsequent changes from the last decade. Since the passage of SB 361 (Scott, 2006), noncredit instruction has seen significant changes, including the…

A Geological Perspective is a general education survey course for non-science majors at a large southwestern research extensive university. The class has traditionally served 600 students per semester in four 150-student lectures taught by faculty, and accompanied by optional weekly study groups run by graduate teaching assistants. We radically…

The idea of differentiation was initiated by educators of and researchers for students who were classified as gifted and talented. Subsequently, this concept has become part of the general belief system that educators must meet and address the needs of every child, regardless of ability levels. Researchers have found that most teachers state that…

In response to documented shortcomings of the mathematics curriculum and the national distaste for math, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics have produced 1989 standards outlining broad curricular goals and assessment strategies. The current emphasis on procedural skills must yield to development of strong conceptual knowledge and…

Discusses the development of the information science program in the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid in relation to the history of the department. Topics discussed include changes in the university library system from a central library to a network of libraries; library automation; government's role; and teaching and research tasks. (nine…

Describes an approach to problem-based learning (PBL) in the pharmacy curriculum that utilizes electronic communications to reduce the personnel costs associated with PBL. Comparison with convention PBL found substantial reduction in personnel time. Discusses application as a supplement to didactic instruction and the method's feasibility for both…

A de-briefing technique was developed for conducting weekly interviews with college faculty to collect information on course planning and monitoring activities. Variations in interview content with the teacher's concerns and course progress are discussed and the use of the technique for faculty development and further research are outlined.…

Provides a history of the library school at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Highlights include changes in curriculum, including advanced study and doctoral programs; continuing education; faculty activities, including library association involvement; research; and physical facilities. (LRW)

Describes development and integration of service learning in the curriculum of the University of Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) School of Pharmacy, beginning with co-curricular service-learning opportunities and leading to further curriculum development and a service requirement for doctoral students. Concludes that, despite demands on faculty…

General satisfaction with the achievements of an introductory writing-across-the-discipline program led faculty of Saint Mary's College (Indiana) to believe students were capable of sustaining comparable progress in their majors. Subsequently, the faculty spent between three and four years working out procedures for a new advanced writing…

Discusses the successes and problems in creating major changes in an undergraduate curriculum and addresses the issues of consistency in management, strengthened advising, revision of the majors' handbook, improvement in professional development skills, insufficient content, sequence of skill progression, uniformity in skill teaching, and faculty…

Background information on a new general studies curriculum at Southwest Texas State University is presented, along with faculty views about the new curriculum. The proposed three-level program covers essential skills, disciplinary perspectives, and integrative courses. Specific skills and content are outlined, along with the number of credit hours…

A critical analysis of a university dental school's 10-year experience with a self-instructional basic sciences curriculum is presented, focusing on development of the curriculum, positive and negative effects on students and faculty, materials and format used, costs, and other administrative considerations. (Author/MSE)

In November 1980, a task force was formed at Fraser Valley College (FVC) to determine the future direction of the university transfer program and to make recommendations regarding the program and its implementation. This report presents information on the background, activities, and recommendations of the task force. Section I presents the…

Syracuse University (New York) is working to change the publish-or-perish ethos in higher education through better organized courses, more vigorous teaching evaluation policies, and merit raises and grants for strong teachers. More ambitious changes may follow. The modest plan has become the most comprehensive such effort to date. (MSE)