In recent years, short question-and-answer activities known as lecture tutorials that are designed to help students work with and discover concepts for themselves, rather than simply being told about them (lectured to) have become a popular tool for learner-centred teaching of introductory college astronomy. Students on such a course are usually…

Describes a recent experimental class format entitled Chemistry and the Human Environment, which was designed as an interesting yet comprehensive chemistry course for nonscience students. Topics illustrate chemical underpinnings of social problems of interest to students. Concludes that course content must change with time to remain effective and…

This study examines how the Biology 101 curriculum at The Ohio State University, a non-major's course, was changing with regard to recommendations expressed in the National Science Education Standards (NSES) and Benchmarks for Science Literacy. The Bio 101 course was observed to compare the content topics identified in the syllabus with topics…

This study assessed the effectiveness of integrating logical thinking skills into a geology course designed for nonscience majors. Goals of the study were to: (1) design a unique set of materials that integrated logical skills and geological time and sequence; (2) implement these materials into the classroom instruction; and (3) test the effects…

Describes a college reform effort that includes the development of a college science course for nonscience majors. The main goal of the course is to advocate the interdisciplinary nature of all sciences and to involve the students actively in the discovery process as a way of learning science. (ZWH)

Highlights seminar which addressed education of the nonmajor. Following brief comments on plan/execution of the seminar program and Japanese system of education, 19 recommendations are outlined and summarized. Recommendations focus on various aspects of courses, curricula, instructional strategies, and other factors related to nonmajors in the…

Reassess the influence of the Commission on Undergraduate Education in the Biological Sciences (CUEBS) upon current undergraduate biology instruction, 20 years after making its findings public. Emphasizes the importance for the new generation of biology educators to reattempt the achievement of CUEBS goals despite past failures. (24 references)…

Student interest was stimulated and critical thinking skills developed through an "Issues in Social Biology" course which include several topics in genetics. Judicious selection of topics, course format, and ordering of subjects are discussed, along with suggestions for course improvement development. (DH)

Discusses a questionnaire sent to 763 Society for College Science Teaching members to identify problems of teaching nonmajors. Notes the questionnaire had a high return rate. Lists the eight major problems: post negative experiences; motivation; what to teach; abstractions; how to introduce relevance; staying power; inquiry material; and…

A project to develop an interdisciplinary course (ARSC 10/11) for teaching science to college students not majoring in science is described. Concept modules were developed for a two-semester format consisting of three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. Important science themes were identified to promote an understanding of…

Ball State University has developed a diverse offering of courses available by interactive television as one way to increase access to higher education and provide lifelong learning opportunities. Explains how to develop a general studies biology course for interactive television. Topics include course formats, course design, copyright issues, the…

Introductory courses in biology are often either designed for majors or watered-down versions for nonmajors that are not stimulating. A course developed for nonmajors emphasizes the relationship of biology to the human condition and focuses on five basic concepts while being flexible enough to adapt to new research and technology. (MSE)

Eight general areas were addressed in this conference on Japanese/United States chemical education, including: introductory courses; adequacy of texts, manuals, laboratory workbooks for non-majors; laboratory role in non-major courses; adaptation of such techniques as computers, programmed instruction and videotapes; evaluation and testing…