Presents a study that examined the effect of using a self-reference exercise to supplement a lecture on standard life expectancy in which general psychology students participated. Reports that students who completed the exercise had significantly higher test scores overall and also on the ten items involving longevity. (CMK)

It is argued that workshops for lecture improvement in higher education tend to concentrate on delivery techniques, whereas improvement programs should maintain a broad perspective on lecture useage, which might include consideration of the design of lecture courses, variation of teaching methods, and attention to student lecture learning skills.…

Evaluates an interactive, Web-based tutorial that helps students learn about sampling distribution. 111 students enrolled in statistics or research methods courses used either the tutorial or attended a lecture/demonstration. Indicates through pre- and post-test quizzes both groups learned comparable amounts and reveals students' ratings of both…

Presents the results of a two-page survey asking introductory psychology instructors to rate the effectiveness of 22 teaching techniques that focus on improving student performance. Finds that in-class examples/activities, writing assignments, emphasis on core concepts in lectures and examinations, and providing a copy of the lecture outline were…

Describes an exercise named CARDS that was used in two sections of an introduction to psychology course. After a concept was presented in lecture, students were asked to respond to a question written on an index card and discuss their answers in groups. Presents the results of the assessment of student learning. (CMK)

Demonstrates that computer-based lecture (CBL) can enhance student learning in economics courses. Addresses various tools and techniques that teachers can utilize, such as assisted notetaking and presentation materials. Considers four active, collaborative exercises that can be facilitated through CBL techniques. Includes reactions by Gisela Meyer…

This booklet provides practical tips, techniques, hints, and suggestions developed by and for college teachers. The handbook serves as a useful guide for teachers who wish to improve their performance in the classroom. Specific topics include keeping students' attention and interest, helping students to think, teaching effectively in large group…

A study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of the spaced lecture as a possible alternative to the traditional lecture method. The spaced lecture separates note-taking from intensive listening. Two hundred male and female freshman and sophomore students at a junior college in Georgia in fall 1978, in intact classes, were administered three main…

Reports on a study conducted by a university geography department and its school of education. They divided a World Regional Geography class into two groups. One utilized the traditional lecture method; the other implemented a collaborative learning approach. No significant gain was realized at the conclusion of the study. (MJP)

Reports on a study that contrasted learning outcomes of students in a class that incorporated computer assisted instruction (CAI) exercises with those of a lecture-only class. Students in the lecture-plus CAI class scored higher than those in the lecture-only class, specifically regarding material covered in the class. (MJP)

This paper presents a study that examined the effect of an attribution induction on students' performance on a subsequent achievement test. The study was conducted to determine whether an instructor might inculcate desirable attributions as part of a regular classroom interaction and thus improve academic performance in at-risk students. College…

Advocates and outlines an instructional strategy for developing critical-thinking skills in sociology classes. The "panning-for-gold" strategy requires students to interact continually with the material through questioning and evaluation. Includes a template of suggestions for critically evaluating material. Test results showed…