The creation of the massive open online course (MOOC), a new form of digital learning, has enthralled some, infuriated others, and changed the conversation about higher education in the United States and abroad. To some, MOOCs herald the dawn of a new era in human capital, one that will mean the end of college as we know it. Enthusiastic observers…

A model was developed to find out whether teachers can predict the success of their students on a specific test. Implications for curriculum development and changes in classroom instruction are discussed. (RB)

Overcome budget cuts, lack of leadership, top-down mandates, and other obstacles to professional development by using this book's take-charge approach. Joseph H. Semadeni guides you through a systemic method to professional development that: (1) Motivates teachers to continuously learn and apply best practices; (2) Makes adult learning activities…

A procedure that the Whittier College community, on the strength of their own four-year experience, would recommend for the consideration of other colleges contemplating the development of a new curriculum is set out stage by stage. (LBH)

Using a three-part definition of Competency Based Education (competency identification, criteria level, and assessment), five steps for a competency based program development model are proposed and discussed. The steps are: (1) assess the need for such a program, specify the role or performance to which it will be directed and probable…

Examines three models for an introductory natural science course and assesses possible contributions of the models to course planning in sociology. The vocational, inquiry, and humanistic models are discussed. The conclusion is that the inquiry and the humanistic models are most relevant to teaching of sociology. (Author/DB)

A variety of 14 designs for institutional planning models. (IR)

Discusses how to develop a chapter based unit, a very brief planning scheme that enables a social studies teacher to organize instruction drawing upon content from a single textbook chapter. This involves identifying a focus generalization, describing major concepts and subconcepts, preparing performance objectives, and developing key questions.…

A methodology of 11 steps is described to assist in identifying and solving instructional problems relating to the educational needs of health care professionals. (HD)

This article considers how the Schoolwide Enrichment Model, originally developed for gifted and talented students, can be applied as part of a comprehensive plan for total school improvement. Modifications to existing curriculum content and skill development are suggested to help all students realize their full potential. (Author/DB)

This inquiry examines the personal attribute and environmental factors that contribute to and impede science teacher-leader development. Using a narrative approach, the inquiry focuses on the experiences of three teachers in three different New Zealand primary schools (years 1-6) as they develop in their capabilities as science teacher-leaders…

This paper contains findings of a study that investigated the extent to which three schools nationally recognized for their change efforts could provide evidence of systemic change. The conceptual framework was developed from the following sources: (1) the effective-schools movement; (2) structural reform; (3) the middle-school movement; (4)…

Christopher Newport College, begun as a colony of the College of William and Mary, was born in the 1960s out of the fervor to open the doors of higher education to more people. It enrolls between 500-600 students in freshman writing courses each semester. Changes to the freshman composition program were undertaken, beginning in 1994, with a shift…

The problems that pervade professional schools are not dissimilar to those of undergraduate education. Graduates emerge from both with questionable levels of preparation; also, similar problems exist in professional development and curriculur improvement. However, three major differences are found between these two levels of education with respect…

This paper presents a working framework for a controlled change of instructional practices within a community college. A methodology for the training of students and faculty in the evaluation of curriculum and instruction is presented: (1) establish a positive rationale for evaluation within a context of meaningful philosophy; (2) determine a…