This paper discusses the potential of language centres in higher education as laboratories for innovation. Despite their hybrid character as central service providers that are also defined by their teaching, their positioning at the academic periphery, and the lack of a mandate to do academic research, language centres still have an obligation to…

The recent COVID-19 pandemic required schools around the country to shut their doors to student and teacher learning, impacting both formal and informal education. STEM outreach programs scrambled to revise their programming to reach the "new normal" needs of teachers and students. STEM Outreach directors from Vanderbilt University and…

This report will discuss the process of evaluation for development in a collaborative project that integrated teaching between the Language Centre and the Law School at the University of Eastern Finland. The focus of this report will be on a model the authors devised for the purposes of developing teaching, called "E.A.S.Y,"…

In this paper, we explore how language centres can and need to seize the initiative in matters of internationalisation, language policy and supporting a multilingual and multicultural institutional environment. We identify and explore a number of challenges and opportunities, using the situation in the United Kingdom as our example, demonstrating…

'Research and teaching' is a typical response to the question, 'What are universities for?' For most people, one comes to mind more quickly than the other. Most undergraduate students will think of teaching, while PhD students will think of research. University staff will have similarly varied reactions depending on their roles. Emphasis on one or…

Many science educators know of the pedagogical benefits of inquiry- and research-based labs, yet numerous barriers to implementation exist. In this article we describe a faculty development workshop that explored interdisciplinary and inter-institutional collaborations as potential mechanisms for overcoming barriers to curricular innovation.

Curricular changes continue at United States medical schools and directors of gross anatomy, microscopic anatomy, neuroscience/neuroanatomy, and embryology courses continue to adjust and modify their offerings. Developing and supplying data related to current trends in anatomical sciences education is important if informed decisions are going to…

The concept of research-led education is gaining increasing attention in higher education. However, the concept may be interpreted in different ways, some more feasible within an undergraduate curriculum than others. The approach described in this paper aims to introduce students to ways of thinking and acting like a researcher through engaging in…

Presents an examination of the function of laboratory teaching in preclinical courses. (HS)

Evaluates the traditional method of intercalating theoretical and seminar classes with laboratory practical work. Proposes a new schedule where students get problem-based learning of theoretical concepts during the first half of the course, and plan and execute a laboratory project during the second half. (Author/CCM)

As part of an experiment, a three quarter sequence in organic chemistry was designed to be accompanied by laboratory experiments that reinforce the lecture material and encourage independent investigation by minimizing cookbook-style procedures. By having laboratory techniques explained in detail on video casettes, students were exposed to uniform…

Presents the philosophy and mechanics of a professionally oriented astronomy laboratory for nonscience majors. Design of the laboratory, description of the exercises, and the results of using this approach at the University of Kansas are also described. (HM)

Describes the Iowa General Chemistry Network that was developed to change content, teaching, and learning methods of introductory college chemistry courses. Highlights include using the Iowa Communications Network for distance education and curriculum reform, using the Internet and World Wide Web, and chemistry laboratory experiences and…

This article looks at the problems of revision of laboratory courses. While revision of the syllabus of experiments is expensive, it is necessary to keep it up to date. The nature, causes, and rates of change in practical courses are discussed. (BB)

Describes a constructivist chemistry laboratory approach based on students' personal experiences where students had the opportunity to develop their own experimental processes. Points out both the fruitfulness and difficulties of using a graduate student as a teaching assistant. (YDS)