This chapter describes a SoTL program at Simon Fraser University that focuses on the importance of analyzing the internal coherence and alignment of the program design and the thinking underpinning the design as the first steps in evaluating effectiveness or impact.

The American public's interests are well-served by a strong, effective postsecondary education system. And yet the industry's predominant learning and service paradigm, one that credentials learning by measuring student's time on task and that treats all learners largely the same from a pacing and a requirements perspective is inconsistent with…

In this article, relevance of practice during university studies is highlighted, as well as the main stages of its organisation, qualitative parameters, as well as criteria and indicators that validate them are defined. Discussion on the idea that taking into consideration qualitative parameters of organising practice as a component of studies…

Good programs for recognizing exemplary college teaching are consistent with institutional mission and values, are grounded in research-based competencies and practices, recognize all significant facets of instruction, reward both collaborative and individual achievements, neither preclude nor replace the institutional reward system, call on those…

Despite social and educational change and greatly reduced visibility, the cluster college concept remains in use in many institutions, in both the federated colleges and subcollege cluster models, and in some cases substantially changed in form. (MSE)

Common notions about what college writing centers are and do are examined so that faculty and students may understand how to make the best use of them. Issues discussed include their organizational status and role, audience, and specific functions and activities. The structure and objectives of tutoring sessions is briefly addressed. (MSE)

West Chester State College's pilot project to improve writing builds on writing skills established in the freshman English courses and extends these skills through writing practice and instruction in the humanities and other disciplines. Obstacles encountered in developing the program, program design, instructional techniques, and spinoff projects…

Principles for the administration and governance of interdisciplinary programs are drawn from several decades of experience in general education and in interdisciplinary centers, colleges, and schools. The principles are discussed in terms of the institutional context and include suggestions for garnering budgetary support, addressing faculty…

A model for the development of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is presented for the college classroom teacher. The following common software design models that have been helpful in developing CAI models are briefly reviewed: composite or structural design model, Jackson model, META stepwise refinement model, and higher-order software model.…

There is no one test or approach that is sufficient to serve all the objectives and purposes of assessment within the major. A multidimensional approach combining locally developed procedures such as theses, portfolios, orals, external examiners, with standardized tests is an effective strategy. (Author/MSE)

To prepare new international graduate students for assignments as teaching assistants, the University of Washington chemistry department worked with specialists in language, pedagogy, and chemistry to design a discipline-specific training program. The program's structure, participants, benefits and limitations, and effectiveness in its first year…

In award programs designed to honor exemplary college teaching, common problems include selection procedures and criteria, bias toward popularity, competition versus collaboration, questionable incentives, and use of special awards to replace continuing rewards. An effective teaching awards program will pass three tests of selection validity,…

Factors influencing the requirements of health care professions other than medicine for doctoral degrees are examined. The nature of the traditional Doctor of Philosophy program is considered in this context. It is proposed that more structured and clinically oriented doctoral programs may be a useful alternative for some professions. A Doctor of…

In an effort to put into action an increased interest in interdisciplinary teaching at the higher education level, a model for interdisciplinary instruction was designed and used for a seminar on ancient urbanization and city development. The model for the seminar used what Robin Fogarty has termed "webbed" likening this perspective to…

A week-long formal training institute preparing teaching assistants in French for classroom and other responsibilities is outlined. The program features course and student management techniques as well as instructional methods. (MSE)