Describes teaching techniques that facilitate the use of the systems approach. Includes explanations of the Kolb learning styles, a "job hire" exercise, mind mapping, and a technique for problem analysis. Presents information on pre-workshop materials, tables of generated competencies, and a hierarchy of rational problem-solving approaches. (RT)

Discusses procedures used to evaluate and enhance the journal's effectiveness. Presents survey methods and information on membership perception, results, a background discussion, and recommendations for changes. Tables on production and subscription data, survey attitudes of department heads and reviewers, and topics for review articles are…

Discusses procedures for teaching basic soil morphological concepts using soil cores collected along a toposequence. Describes materials and methods for collecting, laboratory use of cores, and student evaluation results. Shows a table of criteria used to describe soils for profile descriptions. (RT)

Reviewed is research which supports retesting students to enhance learning. Evaluation results, materials and methods used to implement the procedure are described. Included are tables on student responses concerning involved groups and the value and benefits of retakes. (RT)

Reports that students with soil science background performed better on a diagnostic examination; no relationship existed between exam performance and country of origin, degree sought, or undergraduate class quartile. Concludes that exam results, the grade received in a beginning graduate-level course and the cumulative graduate grade-point average…

Describes a study used to determine differences in exam reliability, difficulty, and student evaluations. Indicates that when a fourth option was added to the three-option items, the exams became more difficult. Includes methods, results discussion, and tables on student characteristics, whole test analyses, and selected items. (RT)

Described is a support program that guides prospective college teachers in teaching an introductory soil science laboratory course. Ideas are presented about the preparation for teaching and concerns of teaching assistants. A table citing classroom observation protocol is included. (RT)

Outlined are procedures used in a techniques class designed to develop communication skills in graduate students. The use of feedback in sessions, value of the class, student evaluations, and conclusions are explained. Tables include evaluation form, student opinion results, and mean scores on evaluation of major projects and assessment of the…

Explains the use of a cropping systems project to teach agronomic principles and crop management techniques, and to enhance communication skills. Provides a sample progress report instructions sheet which was used for the project. (Author/RT)

The advantages and disadvantages of poster sessions vs. oral talks are reviewed. Front-end and secondary planning, materials, and follow-up needed for poster sessions are outlined. An example session and a check list are included. (Author/CW)

This article details some of the changes that have occurred in U.S. land-grant universities and colleges of agriculture, and the resulting issues and challenges facing faculty. Strategies for addressing these challenges are proposed. (Author/CW)

Presented is a successfully implemented active learning project and results of a survey to assess the success of the project. Materials and methods are discussed, and an example of one project is provided. (Author/CW)

Describes three components of the teaching assistant program used in the screening process. Outlines the training procedures for all teaching assistants, follow-up program, program director and instructor's perspectives. Presents tables on recommendations and questions asked on feedback forms which focus on improvement and international experience…

Addresses four concerns faced by educators incorporating specific features of learning objectives into a course: structure of the course, students' acceptance of changes, time commitment required of professors, and format interference with presentation of subject-matter. (RT)

Summarizes the capabilities of a computer program related to forest fertilization. Provides a description of input parameters, some sample exercises, software specifications, and availability information. Additional references are listed. (Author/RT)