The author discusses some problems he has encountered with college-level psychology textbooks and publishers. (JR)

There is a need to establish research continuity to enable educators to discern trends in student learning and relate changes in student responses to different teaching methods. Generally, small classes seem more effective than large, discussions are preferred over lectures, and student-centered discussions over instructor-centered for better…

Reviews the author's professional experiences from 1946 to 1986. Includes lessons learned as a: (1) graduate student, (2) supervisor of teaching assistants, (3) mentor of future teachers, (4) researcher, and (5) textbook author. Stressing the importance of peer support, thinking about students' motives and cognitions in planning instruction,…

An evaluation was conducted of an introductory cognitive psychology course that focused on both the concepts of cognitive psychology and their application to learning strategies. A special target group was the freshman student. Instruction covered cognitive and motivational theory and reasons why learning strategies work. Students practiced the…

The role of faculty colleagues in the evaluation of college teaching is not defined adequately. A distinction needs to be made between summative evaluation conducted for administrative decisions such as pay increases, promotion, and tenure, and formative evaluations designed to improve teaching. (MLW)

The ultimate criterion of effective teaching is evidence of impact upon student learning. Three purposes of evaluations are identified: to help faculty improve, to make personnel decisions rewarding good teachers and getting rid of those who are not, and to help students choose courses more wisely. (MLW)

A review of the research literature on teaching and learning in the college classroom is presented. An introduction notes the role of research in identifying new goals for higher education and offers a conceptual framework based on a student mediation model and a focus on the process-product relationships between faculty teacher behavior and…

Compiled as a guide for the beginning college teacher, this handbook covers a wide variety of issues relative to college teaching today. The book is based on four premises: (1) education should be guided by a democratic philosophy; (2) students are adults; (3) instructors can occasionally be wrong; and (4) goals of college teaching should include…

The history of research on college teaching is traced, and methodologies used are highlighted. Topics reviewed include (1) class size; (2) lecture versus discussion; (3) student-centered discussion; (4) independent study and peer learning; (5) evaluation of teaching; (6) teaching and technology; and (7) impact of cognitive psychology. (SLD)

First published in 1951, this guidebook for college instructors and teaching assistants was written to answer the questions posed by new college teachers, to place them at ease in their jobs, and to get them started effectively in the classroom. The book contains the following parts: (1) Getting Started (e.g., course preparation, meeting the…