This chapter demonstrates how Decoding work can be used productively within a curriculum change process to help make design decisions based on a more nuanced understanding of student learning and the relationship of a professional program to the field.

This chapter draws on other authors' ideas in this issue, describing parallels and outlining distinctions toward a synthesized model for the development of SoTL initiatives at the institutional level and beyond.

This article focuses on curriculum-based learning communities (LCs). In these LCs, manipulation of the curriculum is intentional and often innovative, with the overarching goals of developing meaningful connections among students, between students and faculty, and between students and their coursework. The variety of curriculum-based models…

Although the causes of achievement are many and varied, it is widely assumed that "motivation" and "self-regulation" are crucial determinants of academic performance. Substantial evidence indicates that students who focus on learning and understanding course material are more likely to perform well academically (Dweck and Leggett, 1988).…

This chapter reiterates the need for attention to the journey of self-authorship and suggests next steps for institutions and educators.

An overview of Jung's theory of psychological type, a problem-solving model, types of students in different college majors, predictions about teaching problem solving to students, practical applications of the theory to the teaching of problem solving, and strategies that develop skills in perception and judgment are presented. (MLW)

The relationship between collaborative learning and some major theoretical and empirical approaches to fostering critical thinking are examined. Three frameworks for combining collaborative learning and critical thinking are suggested: use of mental models, creation of discourse communities, and creation of disciplinary discourse communities. (MSE)

A developmental model for collaborative learning at the college level, based on the notion of the development of expertise, is outlined. Five stages are described: (1) the learning of rules, techniques, and strategies; (2) applying the techniques and strategies to the particular teaching context; (3) developing competence; (4) becoming proficient;…

A model of classroom characteristics and interaction is used to examine the roles of group size, problem types, and student behaviors, central concerns in problem-based learning, in medical education. The model incorporates six classroom dimensions, including four process variables (classroom organization, learning task, teacher's instruction,…