Using an evaluative approach within a professional communication service course, we used student documents and instructor feedback to uncover how students and instructors were understanding the rhetoric student learning outcome (SLO). Because rhetoric is central to the course, our driving questions were, Can we locate language that actualizes the…

The wash-rinse-repeat model of refreshing courses each term might be a financially beneficial model for the institution, yet is it serving students the best educational experience? If all that is monitored in the pre-flight check is for broken hyperlinks and refreshed dates, who is ensuring the quality delivery? Many institutions proudly boast…

Educators continually strive for better ways to engage students in course content and reflect on learning. Process maps originate from the business field while concept maps are used across disciplines. We adapted the process map to demonstrate its use as an effective assessment tool. This article describes the process of implementing Group Process…

Most postsecondary faculty in the United States include course goals or objectives as key components of their syllabi. In addition to individual course objectives, many institutions have identified institution-wide student learning outcomes (SLOs). This paper describes one faculty member's attempts to elicit feedback from students regarding their…

This research paper compares a database practicum at the Regis University College for Professional Studies (CPS) with technology oriented practicums at other universities. Successful andragogy for technology courses can motivate students to develop a genuine interest in the subject, share their knowledge with peers and can inspire students to…

While student global ratings of college courses historically predict learning achievement, the majority of recent U.S. college graduates lack proficiency in desired skills. Teaching and Learning Quality (TALQ), a new course evaluation instrument, was developed from extant instructional theory that promotes student learning. A survey of 193…

Numerous instructional design models have been proposed over the past several decades. Instead of focusing on the design process (means), this study investigated how learners perceived the quality of instruction they experienced (ends). An electronic survey instrument containing nine a priori scales was developed. Students responded from 89…

Recent research has touted the benefits of learner-centered instruction, problem-based learning, and a focus on complex learning. Instructors often struggle to put these goals into practice as well as to measure the effectiveness of these new teaching strategies in terms of mastery of course objectives. Enter the course evaluation, often a…

The authors suggest that a new method of course evaluations be used in which students are asked to rate themselves on how well they achieved stated course objectives. In this way the instructor would know where work was needed. This method focuses upon the student's mastery of the subject. (Author)

Evidence is presented concerning achievement of cognitive objectives in a college course on drugs. A mastery grading system insured that students learned to criterion. Reported experience with drugs did not change during the course and was unrelated to measures of learning and student ratings of the course and the instructors. (Author)

The specific objectives for the course on "Psychoactive Drugs" are to gain knowledge about drugs and drug users, and to acquire the ability to seek out and use available information on drugs. This course outline is divided into 2 sections: (1) basic psychological, pharmacological, and physical aspects of psychoactive drug use; and (11) cultural,…

Describes an issues approach to child development used to make the curriculum more relevant to college students. Activities included reading the text, reports, films, observing children, speakers, and debating the importance of the issues. Course evaluation showed that students benefited from the combined approach. (Author/JAC)

This paper includes the description and evaluation of a course in career development for psychology undergraduates. Background information for the course is provided, followed by a description of the three course components which correspond to the three course goals, i.e., increasing knowledge about (1) oneself; (2) educational and occupational…

A practicum was designed to assist a private college in maintaining accreditation with the state of Washington in producing certified teachers with training in the identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect. Teachers and counselors are recognized as court mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect, but prior to the implementation…