Describes an upper-level undergraduate psychology course in which students applied psychological research to contemporary social issues. Students presented two reports on a controversial issue: one based on media reports and the other based on their own research. Reports that the experience gave students a better understanding of the strengths and…

A third-semester physics course that covers the topics of atomic physics, the theory of relativity, and nuclear energy is described. Activities that include the phenomenon of radioactivity, field trips to a nuclear power plant, a simulation of a chain reaction, and comparing the size of atomic particles are presented. (KR)

Introductory college science courses, particularly those intended for freshmen, are challenging to teach because teachers are trying to inspire student interest. Using visual aids, even homemade, listening carefully to students, understanding that some will fail, encouraging those who have special ability or potential, and developing course…

Describes "Effective Reading," a newly revised community college developmental reading course, which focuses on reading comprehension skills of predicting, confirming, and integrating; uses the direct teaching model of demonstration, guided practice, and independent practice; and is corequisite with an introductory sociology course. Reports…

Perspective Discrepancy Assessments completed by a dean, 50 mentors, and 60 current and 35 former adult students, as well as interviews with 26 dropouts, found that the dean and mentors ranked remedial work, outside commitments, and financial aid as obstacles. However, dropouts cited mentors' lack of counseling experience, understanding of…

A course curriculum model that shows how modern engineering design graphics can be used to conceptualize, develop, analyze, and communicate engineering designs is presented. Background studies, early investigations, and a weekly curriculum outline of the course are provided. (KR)

Contends that recent historiographic scholarship underscores the need for new approaches to the history of psychology. Introduces the content of an advanced undergraduate seminar based on materials in social constructionism and contextual history. Illustrates its application to the history of psychology through a contextual look at the place of…

Entry-level university programs (N=449) in eight disciplines were surveyed concerning students' preparation to provide services to young children with disabilities and their families. Although considerable variability was found across disciplines, the average student receives little specialized information concerning either the infancy period or…

The general language education syllabus, proposed as one of four syllabi resulting from Canada's National Core French Study, is described, with suggestions for content and general objectives. A four-stage teaching approach, teacher planning process, possibilities for facilitation integration with the other syllabi, and the role of this syllabus…

The task force report on the culture syllabus, one of four syllabi in the recommended new Canadian core French curriculum, reviews literature and present practice, outlines syllabus objectives, lists content, and suggests a scope and sequence and methodology. Notes on integration with other syllabi, teacher training, and evaluation are included.…

Describes the development of a course for preparing doctoral French language students for the teaching profession, covering such topics as the diversity of teaching assistant training, graduate student attitudes and prior knowledge of instructional theory, academic credit, and the use of authentic material. (CB)

Computer assisted instruction (CAI) as an optional enrichment versus required component is described. Discussed are making CAI an integral component of freshman chemistry, program requirements, need for user modification of programs, staff and facilities, mode of operation, student evaluation, and effect on student performance. (KR)

The development and structure of a computer literacy course, developed at Hunter College (New York) in 1991 and targeting women and minorities, are described. The course has been extremely successful and well received and has resulted in the opening of additional computer laboratories and scheduling of many new sections. (MSE)

Maintains that a common component of geography courses is to show how a globe is an accurate representation of the earth whereas flat maps give a distorted view. Presents a case study and lesson plan in which the Muslim practice of praying while facing Mecca is used to illustrate this idea. (CFR)

Interviews with 28 faculty and administrators in 3 technology teacher education programs found that organizational structure and course configuration influenced faculty and administrator interaction in terms of common educational philosophy, the nature of leadership, influence of institutional goals, effect of accrediting agencies, math/science…