Describes an alternative approach to introductory economics based on a cooperative learning model, "Learning Together." Discussion of issues in economics education and cooperative learning in higher education leads to explanation of how to adapt the Learning Together Model to lesson planning in economics. A flow chart illustrates the process for a…

A survey of one college's faculty (n=101) concerning classroom use of technology reveals limited exploitation of its potential, and suggests a different approach to faculty development in technology that provides a more substantial infrastructure, rewards, and a variety of techniques to keep both faculty and students interested. (MSE)

A brainstorming variation used with discussion sections of a large class has students write ideas on Post-It notes, which can then be prioritized, categorized, sequenced, and grouped as needed, easily and quickly. The technique is useful for building thesis-writing skills, stimulating creation of a visual body of evidence, and encouraging…

Student volunteers arrange themselves according to height, weight, and grade point average, and in 15 to 20 minutes, a number of statistical concepts are introduced and worked with in an introductory statistics course. (MLW)

A systematic approach to preparation of successful college lectures is outlined, including four stages: anticipation (of content and expectations); preparation (selection, acquisition, design, and construction); execution (attention to speech habits, demeanor, and body language); and support (evaluation, maintenance, and enhancement). (MSE)

A discussion of the Socratic method for college-level teaching looks at the three primary components of the method (systematic questioning, inductive reasoning, and universal definitions) and several additional relevant elements, including the testing of hypotheses and use of background information. One teacher's classroom techniques are…

The experiences of a number of institutions using a variety of approaches show that distance education by television can be both instructionally effective and cost effective. Careful attention to five steps in course development (planning, preparation, rehearsal, presentation, and review) can help colleges save time and avoid pitfalls. (MSE)

Suggests ways to teach college students basic skills in reading, presentation/oral communication, and writing/publication skills in the context of content courses. Suggestions include guiding and monitoring reading, encouraging frequent student presentations, assigning a variety of writing tasks, and requiring graduate students to write term…

Providing students with historical documents as the basis for research projects motivates students; allows the instructor to tailor research topics to student interests; provides the building blocks for detailed, factual investigation and analysis; and helps develop student confidence. Students also enjoy it. (MSE)

Little has been written to help new instructors face, and conquer, their natural insecurities. Ten recommendations to assist new teachers in their quest to become both professionally effective and personally self-confident are discussed and suggested readings are provided. (MLW)

One college teacher's use of mock trials in sociology instruction is described. Students are assigned roles as petitioner, respondent, attorneys, judge, courtroom staff, witnesses, reporters, and jurors. Pretrial investigations provide experience in information-gathering and critical thinking. Posttrial debriefing reveals others' thinking…

A Russian scholar anticipating language difficulties in teaching a seminar on the former Soviet Union in the United States used journal writing to improve communication. It was found that the journals helped monitor student attention and comprehension and was useful in adjusting teaching strategies to student styles and abilities. (MSE)

A Brooklyn College (New York) science course for nonmajors includes a unit on drugs and poisons using material from television news, investigative reporting, and fictional series. The films make some of the more abstract course material palatable and interesting, and enhances awareness of the hazards and benefits of chemicals. (MSE)

An activity in a college statistics class had students go to a field of grass and clover and use a variety of estimation, probability, sampling, distribution, and calculation techniques for determining the number of flowers in the field. The activity focused on the discovery process, encouraged abstract reasoning, and was pleasurable. (MSE)

The use of paraprofessional editors to evaluate student writing, particularly in large college classes, allows teachers to give students more writing practice, provides more individual assistance for students, and helps teachers gain insight into student needs. Adoption of uniform criteria for evaluation also provides consistency and objectivity.…