Separation of variables can be a powerful technique for solving many of the partial differential equations that arise in physics contexts. Upper-division physics students encounter this technique in multiple topical areas including electrostatics and quantum mechanics. To better understand the difficulties students encounter when utilizing the…

Research in physics education indicates that the use of multiple representations in teaching and learning helps students become better problem-solvers. We report on a study to investigate students' difficulties in solving mechanics problems presented in multiple representations. We conducted teaching/learning interviews with 20 students in a…

The role of assessment in the chemistry classroom is ultimately tied to the nature of the assessments available for use. Because they provide data that can inform decisions about curricular changes, or new pedagogies, the incorporation of new assessment strategies can play an important role in how educational and curriculum reform is carried out.…

Innovations in learning with conscious thinking result in conceptual and effective learning. New strategies and techniques of learning aim at bringing about change in behavior that might help in solving problems of the individual at local and global level. This paper inquires into benefits of Reflective Practice in Open and Distance Learning in…

Examines relations among adult attachment orientations, maladaptive problem coping styles, and a composite measure of current distress within a sample of 55 undergraduates. Results indicate that each adult attachment orientation and each problem coping style measure was related in expected directions to students' distress. (Contains 39 references…

An overview of a program whose design is to help the student or non student where he is in his developmental and decision making processes. (JC)

After briefly reviewing the history and characteristics of the office of the Ombudsman, the author discusses the establishment of that office at Michigan State University. The functions of the Ombudsman, who is to be appointed by the President from among the senior faculty are to establish procedures for receiving requests, complaints, and…

This report by the campus ombudsman at San Diego State College discusses in the preface some ways of approaching the position and the elements to be included in prospective job descriptions. The report begins with a description of the kind of person needed for such a position, how to establish the office and choose the man, the type of office…

College students (N=136) completed a questionnaire indicating the relative likelihood that they would turn to seven potential help-givers with personal or career problems. For personal problems, students indicated they would turn to a close friend for help. For career problems, students would seek help from a professional. (Author)

Calls attention to a process of social negotiation in specific contexts between the distressed person and those with whom he/she is involved that shapes the way troublesome events are progressively understood. (Author/AM)

Examined 180 college students to explore the influences of problem-solving appraisal and type of personal problem on their attitudes toward counseling. Although self-appraised effective problem solvers held more positive attitudes toward seeking help than did ineffective problem solvers, the former group indicated a lower likelihood of seeking…

While college faculty are experts in their disciplines, teaching expertise is less understood. This paper explores one aspect of the pedagogical content knowledge of faculty new to teaching, specifically, knowledge of student difficulties. The project, conducted at three different institutions, used a case method, employing interviews and…

Psychologists have long been interested in the causes of student success or failure in college. In the late 1950's, investigators began to examine behaviors beyond the cognitive realm as crucial elements in the student's adaptation to college life. Research on adolescents' transition from high school to college identified several components of…