Analysis of 12,153 student evaluations of business teachers indicated that ratings differed significantly according to faculty gender, course type, and level (graduate/undergraduate). Female faculty received higher ratings. Graduate students tended to give higher ratings than undergraduates did. (Contains 16 references.) (SK)

Presents a simple technique for teaching the Cournot model to first-year microeconomic students. Involves demonstrating, without the use of derivatives, that out of all rectangles with a common perimeter, the square has the greatest area. (RLH)

Models imports as a fixed proportion of spending rather than as a function of total or disposable income. Predicts the initial autonomous change in domestic spending by netting out spending shifts. Presents formulation which provides a clearer understanding of how leakages influence the multiplier process. (RLH)

Describes interest in the behavior of random processes with positive feedback. Explains that simulation of the law of large numbers with increasing amounts of feedback makes instruction of random processes with positive feedback possible for undergraduate students. (RLH)

Discusses what contributes to the excellence of sociology researchers. Directs focus toward advanced sociology undergraduate students and beginning graduate students. Emphasizes the personal qualities of researchers offering four examples to illustrate these qualities. Addresses the importance of files, multiple data sources, and personal…

Focuses on an adapted version of the classic deviance exercise used in a criminology course taught from 1992 to 2000. Describes how the exercise typically worked, but also discusses a time when the exercise went wrong. Addresses what lessons were learned from that experience. (CMK)

Presents a study that investigated the effects of student factors related to course preparation, specifically participation in Learning in Communities (LINC) and technology, on the success of the students in an introductory sociology course. Reveals that attendance and reading required texts were significant predictors of success, while LINC…

Provides an overview of social class, poverty, and welfare issues. Focuses on a course called, "The Welfare State," used at Trinity University (San Antonio, Texas). Describes two course assignments: (1) social class and genealogy and childhood memories assignment; and (2) the poverty lunch project. Includes references. (CMK)

Presents results from a study that focused on undergraduate teaching assistants (UTAs) using in-depth written interviews with UTAs; interviews with faculty members/instructors who work with UTAs; and questionnaires from students in classes that use UTAs. States that UTAs can be useful in promoting active learning. (CMK)

Describes an interactive in-class learning activity where students learn about social movement theories. Provides background information about the exercise; discusses the process of preparing and implementing the assignment; and explores the student responses. Includes an appendix and references. (CMK)

Composite state-level data from four national sets were used to compare 1991 and 1997 higher education participation of adults over 24. Variations in state structural factors significantly affected participation variance. Factors at one point in time substantially affected future participation. State policymakers had an influence on access and…

Focuses on the process economics departments process used to screen placement applicants in tenure-track professorships. Argues that the research seminar and guest lecture methods be integrated in this process to ensure that candidates are gifted in both research and teaching. Discusses the benefits and costs of this integrated screening method.…

Presents the results from a survey of educators of undergraduate psychology, addressing the benefits of serving as an undergraduate research assistant. A questionnaire was used by educators to rate a list of potential benefits, skills, and abilities of assistants. (CMK)

Examines student responses to a questionnaire that investigated student perceptions of behaviors that may positively or negatively affect test performance. Surveys undergraduate students (n=340) whose examination grades had risen or declined a minimum of one full letter grade from one examination to the next. (CMK)

Describes an interdisciplinary seminar that addressed the topic of the "digital divide." Presents examples of how different types of classroom instruction--lecture, computer hands-on, reading, small-group discussion, and final paper--were used to highlight technological barriers, educational barriers, logistical and financial barriers,…