In public administration courses, administrative theory is usually taught from a managerial perspective--raising questions about organizations from the perspective of the public manager. This perspective is incomplete and needs to be supplemented with a political perspective--asking questions from the viewpoint of the polity as a whole. (RM)

Describes a public administration course specifically designed for adults. Course competencies are defined and instructional materials are discussed. (RM)

Presents survey data indicating that public administration education programs need to be more attuned to the professional requirements of international and U.S. students working in developing nations. Reviews instructional materials and techniques required to achieve this result.(JDH)

Discussed are the purposes of public administration (PA) instruction, the needs or results sought by public administrators, ways to improve the fit between needs and instruction, and what a theory of PA instruction should contain. (RM)

Reviews the different contributions the study of the U. S. Constitution can make to public administration courses. Maintains that such study may force students to a deeper appreciation of the United States political community, ultimately strengthening their thinking on future practical problems in public administration. (JDH)

A questionnaire to elicit information on program structure, or admissions and exit standards, and on students and faculty of public administration doctoral programs was sent to 52 political science departments. Results showed that programs afforded reasonable flexibility, the opportunity for some degree of specialization, and an adequate number of…

Two topics often ignored by public administration textbooks--the pedagogical objectives for the problem-oriented case study and methods for analyzing case study materials--are explored. (RM)

The use of documents and the analysis of definitions are recommended as a means for adding zest to an introduction to public administration course to obtain student interest and motivation. (Author/ND)

Traces the establishment in 1918 and development of the Native Administration course in South African universities, its competition with political science and public administration for discipline distinction, and its eventual change to Applied Anthropology in mid-1970s. (ND)

Research described suggests that undergraduate grade point average (GPA) and in-career job success are weak predictors of a student's success in a Masters in Public Administration program and of the student graduate GPA. (RM)

Eight progressive steps to assist students doing internships in government agencies are described. The steps cover acceptance of internship, routine office affairs, intern orientation, integrating into the new environment, establishing internship tasks, and developing rapport. Elements of successful internships and the future career of the intern…

Graduate students and younger faculty in public administration have doubts regarding their professional abilities. The anxiety causes them to avoid experiences which will test their competencies. However, in order for students to evaluate their career choices they must be allowed opportunities to test themselves. (KC)

A group-learning approach has been identified as suitable for dealing with large classes in a graduate public administration course to encourage student participation and to personalize the learning experience. (Author/KM)

Change is a subject of ever-growing importance for public administration. Discussed are six major perspectives recommended as categories to be combined in various ways to construct graduate courses on change. Also presented are sample exercises for use with doctoral and master's students undertaking the study of change. (RM)

Describes a classroom simulation game for public administration courses to help students develop knowledge of the governmental decision-making process. The game increases knowledge of planning, budgeting, strategies for achieving organizational goals, and leadership skills. (Author/AV)