Massive open online courses (MOOCs) offer an exciting range of opportunities to widen access and participation in education. The massive and open nature of MOOCs places the control of learning at the discretion of the learner. Therefore, it is essential to understand learner behaviour. This paper examines the psychological considerations inherent…

Engineering is a profession likely to attract the individual who seeks direct, sure lines to follow in life where he can avoid the tension of ambiguous or novel ideas, the sensitive encounters of interpersonal relations, and can derive satisfaction from tangible accomplishments. The supposition is that this individual, regardless of ability or…

Jane Tompkins, a Duke University (North Carolina) English professor, is working to transform the conventional approach to college teaching from combative to communal, focusing on students' personal development as well as their intellect and deemphasizing faculty career development. Critics feel her approach is extreme and unreasonable; supporters…