Kansas, like many states that are coming off of an era of accountability under the federal No Child Left Behind requirements, is looking at more meaningful ways to value and measure student success. We have asked ourselves questions such as: are we focusing on the right measures; is our accountability system aligned to our educational priorities…

This chapter explores three key features of integrative learning practice that play a vital role in fostering student success: guidance and support through critical transitions; entire development of the student; and engagement in project-based learning that connects learning to complex, real-world problems, and opportunities that can have…

Discoveries in the learning sciences (especially in neuroscience) have yielded a rich and growing body of knowledge about how students learn, yet this knowledge is only half of the story. The other half is "know how," i.e. the application of this knowledge. For faculty members, that means applying the discoveries of the learning sciences…

The purpose of this article is to frame--and reframe--the work of student affairs. Evolving paradigms have defined and advanced this work, which is dedicated to total student development and the betterment of society. The article promotes integrative learning as a new framework for student affairs. This paradigm, grounded in theory, research, and…

This study compared the levels of student engagement between fraternity and sorority members and other undergraduate students. After controls, Greek members appeared to be equally and sometimes more engaged in academically challenging tasks, active learning, student-faculty interaction, community service, diversity, satisfaction, and on learning…

Proposes that classrooms that encourage critical thinking possess distinguishing features that can assess whether critical thinking is a regular occurrence. Suggests that a critical thinking classroom commonly reflects the following attributes: frequent questions, developmental tension, fascination with the contingency of conclusions, and active…

Examines the impact of learning activities and college environments on learning. The GRE Verbal and Quantitative subtest scores for a national sample (N=2,281) of students were dependent variables. Student involvement in learning activities and environments that were most directly related to the learning outcomes enhanced learning. Studies of…

This book is a guide to helping college students take charge of their learning in their school environment, by capitalizing on their motivation arising from curiosity. It helps students gain independence from the lecture-study-exam system, with a resulting sense of thinking "I know my stuff." The guide argues that many students who do not work to…

Residential liberal arts colleges provide the most important form of undergraduate education for the 21st century, by virtue of their primary focus on teaching, small size, residential nature, quest for genuine community, engagement of students in active learning, concern for a general and coherent education, and emphasis on development of the…

Recommendations over a decade ago from the National Institute of Education have led to a paradigm shift in the teaching profession, based on changes in how knowledge is acquired, what role students play, and what purpose faculty members serve in the process. In the old paradigm, knowledge was transferred from faculty to student in what was…

This study was designed to explore changes in students' problem-solving skills as they analyzed instructional design case studies during a semester-long course. Nineteen students at two Midwestern universities analyzed six to ten case studies as part of their course assignments. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected, with students'…

Whatever forms they take, colleges of the 21st century must incorporate the educational fundamentals that underlie traditional residential institutions. Key ingredients of these educationally powerful environments include clear purposes, maximization of human interaction, pedagogies for active learning, recognition of individual differences,…

Provides a brief discussion of the possibilities and pitfalls of using video for a research or final project. Outlines some pre-production questions to ask and guidelines to follow in producing a video for academic credit. Discusses technical considerations, content, and issues of confidentiality and ethics. (MJP)

This publication seeks to give practical assistance to teachers and administrators responsible for teaching large classes at collges and universities in the United Kingdom. Areas covered include class size, problems related to learning and teaching, teaching strategies in specific disciplines, field study experience and other subjects. The 12…