Examinations of 50 general science writing course syllabi used at 32 schools (55% response rate to a survey of 58 colleges and universities listing science writing courses in their curricula) reveal a wide range of course objectives and a varied use of resource materials. The emphasis is necessarily on writing skills, although a number of the…

Selection of and search for appropriate instructional materials should begin while writing instructional objectives during the curriculum planning process. A five-phase system to help the teacher make selection decisions, in consultation with the school media specialist, is presented. (MF)

This presentation outlines guidelines for developing and implementing an introductory course in computer-aided drafting (CAD) that is geared toward secondary-level students. The first section of the paper, which deals with content identification and selection, includes lists of mechanical drawing and CAD competencies and a list of rationales for…

A multimedia course in economic analysis was developed and used in conjunction with the United States Naval Academy. (See ED 043 790 and ED 043 791 for final reports of the project evaluation and development model.) This report documents the guidelines and procedures used in the determination of instructional strategy and selection of media for…

The content and materials of cultural instruction in elementary school second language courses are discussed. First, the availability of such materials is examined, and a model for deciding what to teach is presented. Four factors are included in this model: students' first language proficiency and the transfer of skills to the second language;…

John Carroll's concept of mastery learning (ML) is described, and an ML model which can be used by directors of music-performing groups is presented. According to Carroll, any student, when given direction and time to follow that direction, can move along a time line from a state of inability to a state of ability. Tasks defined in behavioral…

Increasing complexity in the marketplace, and changing interests in consumption have led to an expansion of consumer education. One result of this expansion has been a shift away from the traditional place where the subject has been taught, home economics, into business, distributive education, and social studies. Joseph N. Uhl's Survey and…

A step-by-step guide to designing interdisciplinary courses is presented. Underlying theoretical rationales and expected educational outcomes are explored, and concrete suggestions and examples are offered. Steps include assembling an interdisciplinary team, selecting a topic, identifying disciplines for inclusion, developing the issues underlying…

This guide presents a framework and offers alternatives for developing a logical and consistent K-12 social studies scope and sequence. Although written for use by Connecticut educators, the guide can be used by educators in any state. There are nine sections to the guide. Section one contains a definition of social studies. Section two deals with…

Elementary and secondary school teachers were asked to rate the sources that influence their decisions on what they teach in their subject areas. Possible influential sources were identified as: (1) district consultants; (2) state or district recommended textbooks; (3) state curriculum guides; (4) commercially prepared materials; (5) teachers' own…

Describes a college sociology course on the relationship of language and ethnicity, whose topics include intergroup communication and miscommunication; representation of ethnicity in cultural texts; and the role of ethnicity in socialization, values, religion, and social institutions. Development of the course, choice of instructional materials,…

The structure of an 8-week intensive course in literature for advanced learners of English as a Second Language is described. Focus is on engaging student interest with texts rich in theme and/or language that can elicit thoughtful discussion. In the first 2 weeks, the language and length of the texts (short stories) selected make them relatively…

The University of Moratuwa (Sri Lanka) developed two courses in English for engineering students, one for technician-level diploma students and one for bachelor's degree-level students. The first step was a needs analysis, conducted through questionnaires and informal meetings with students and faculty, observation of subject lectures and…

Syllabus designers and materials writers in developing nations must treat English for specific purposes as a language-policy solution to language-policy problems. They must familiarize themselves with sociopolitical factors affecting course design and subsequently the relevance of courses produced. Examples are illustrated through a case study of…

Procedures for revising a K-12 social studies program so that it includes thinking skill activities and for implementing the revised curriculum are discussed. Procedures are: the formation of a curriculum committee and sub-committees; current program assessment to determine needs regarding thinking skills; deciding on a rationale; selecting…