Supports the notion that the goals of majors and nonmajors are different when taking science courses and that the main goal for nonmajors is scientific literacy. Presents theory and practical guidelines of one approach toward motivating nonmajors to learn science. (DDR)

Provides details of an advanced cell biology course that has as its overall design the critical reading and examination of primary literature. Contains guidelines to assist students in critical reading. (DDR)

Describes classroom activities that involve student movement to demonstrate principles of kinetics. This classroom method can be used for any topic related to dynamic processes. The method used in this activity illustrates Brxnsted-Lowry acid-base theory and redox reactions. Takes advantage of analogies between proton and electron transfers. Use…

Discusses the nationwide renewal of undergraduate science facilities that will be required in the near future to sustain the current momentum in curriculum reform. Provides a rationale for space design that is compatible with the kinds of programs that stimulate student interest in science, engineering, mathematics, and technology (SEMT). (DDR)

Develops a typology of higher education institutions in England that includes London University, the Open University, civic universities, redbrick and campus universities, technological universities, university colleges (graduate), large former polytechnics, former polytechnics, small former polytechnics/large colleges, medical colleges…

Describes a technique that uses cellular telephones and their rates to enliven the topic of linear equations in a college algebra course. Uses mathematics to select a cellular telephone plan from a vendor. Enables students to use and connect the ideas of functions, equations, graphs, and applications. (DDR)

Discusses the passive role that students often take in large classes and argues for teaching methods such as cooperative learning that place students in a more active learning environment. Examines the advantages and potential drawbacks of cooperative learning for large classes and provides suggestions on preparing for group work. (DDR)

Describes experiments designed to explore the distribution of potential difference between two uncharged capacitors when they are suddenly connected to a source of constant voltage. Enables students to explore the evolution of a system in which initial voltage distribution depends on capacitor values, and the final voltage distribution depends on…

Presents the findings of a study on the learning experiences of undergraduates enrolled in a writing-intensive algebra course. The study revealed that writing activities are successful in terms of facilitating student comprehension of mathematical content. The use of words allows student writers to gain ownership of the algebraic content. (DDR)

Public policy students were surveyed four times from 1998- 2000 (n=126, 104, 95, 92). Results reveal that many begin with uncertain goals and ambivalence about public sector work. Interest declined and the curriculum did little to promote the public sector. Many anticipated fluid careers and chose positions that offer growth more commonly…

Presents a sociology program through three models of curriculum: (1) faculty centered; (2) discipline centered; and (3) student community based curricula. Explores the experiences with these models and reveals that curricular development as a social process can be used to lay a foundation for social context based assessment. (Author/KDR)

Describes different assessment designs available for different types of curricula. Reports results from a quasi experimental design comparing the level of critical sociological reasoning skills among students near the beginning and those finishing their studies. Believes the multi dimensional diversity within sociology presents the greatest…

Discusses subcultures and countercultures. Demonstrates a method of teaching the concept of subculture to undergraduate sociology students. Offers working definitions of terms, including common culture, subculture, idioculture, and social world. Concludes with the development of a classroom exercise to help students grasp the differences among the…

Describes undergraduate family values surveys conducted at the beginning and end of a family sociology course at a large public university. States surveys were used to assess change in family values and the implications of the change. Focuses on issues such as diversity, student employment, liberal education, and socialization processes. (KDR)

Examines the relationship among senior psychology student scores on the Major Field Test in Psychology (MFT), the student characteristics, and the effects of courses taken by the students. Finds that students' scores correlated with other measures of success and with the number of psychology courses already completed. (CMK)