Although there is a great deal of available material on using nontraditional resources for teaching sociology, the pedagogical uses of science fiction have not been examined for 20 years. This essay first asserts the need for an update based on changes in society and in science fiction over the past two decades. The paper then focuses on the uses…

Argues that instructors need to think more systematically about how to prepare students to write good essay examinations. Demonstrates that higher levels of learning involving integration, synthesis, evaluation, and application are essential for this type of testing. Concludes that the significance of efficient writing skills is as important as…

Describes the combined efforts of a writing specialist and a professor of sociology to develop criteria for grading papers in an introductory sociology class. The endeavor was an attempt to find a less time-consuming and less subjective method of grading papers. (Author/AV)

Reports the results of a follow-up study of students in order to determine if the social and historical perspectives taught as a part of a two-semester sociology course remained actively in use several years beyond graduation. Results showed that the students did not apply these perspectives to decision-making and other issues in their daily…

Compares the use of multiple choice and essay tests for student evaluation and asserts that essay tests are superior but have disadvantages. Presents a rationale and suggestions for implementing the guided essay approach to student evaluation. Includes an appendix with a guided essay format accompanied by a sample essay. (CFR)

Reports on a study of two introductory sociology courses to determine whether informal writing assignments can aid learning. Finds that requiring students to keep journals did not significantly improve performance on essay tests. Asserts that teachers may be justified in requiring attendance as a strategy for increased learning. (CFR)