Accredited undergraduate social work programs are identifying themselves more commonly as freestanding units within an institution, rather than as subunits within a department. A survey of 232 programs found most respondents perceived governance and administrative structure as adequate, but 25 percent perceived staffing as unsatisfactory.…

Describes numerical differentiation and the central difference formula in numerical analysis. Presents three computer programs that approximate the first derivative of a function utilizing the central difference formula. Analyzes conditions under which the approximation formula is exact. (MDH)

Examines infinite sets and cardinality classifications of empty, finite but not empty, and infinite through discussions of numbers that fall into particular categories. Categories discussed include perfect numbers, Mersenne primes, pseudoprimes, and transcendental numbers. Discusses the Null Or Infinite Set Effect (NOISE) and infinitude resulting…

Presents some of the major issues and trends in research on higher education. Includes a history of the concept of a university, the university as a social system, goals of university education, and traditions of the Western university. Discusses the crisis and reappraisal of higher education in the late 1960s and revision of the undergraduate…

A survey of 52 dental schools found that dental implant techniques were taught in 34 pre- and 34 postdoctoral curricula, involving mostly prosthodontics and oral surgery departments, with periodontology departments lagging behind. Most predoctoral programs did not have research involvement. Cooperation among specialties is recommended over implant…

Argues that the concept of using different approaches to teaching foreign language literature to undergraduates and graduates may do a disservice to those who see the study of foreign literature as literature through language. Discusses teaching strategies to facilitate such integration. (19 references) (CB)

Describes a program in which undergraduate psychology students submitted questions about homosexuality prior to a panel discussion by a gay rights organization. Suggests that such a program helps students understand that discrimination and abuse are not justifiable responses to homosexuals. Includes questions about family relationships,…

A curriculum development project in a school of social work had three goals: (1) infuse gerontological content into undergraduate curriculum; (2) create a specialized stream at the graduate level; and (3) develop a postprofessional certificate program to prepare practitioners as experts in gerontological social work. (SK)

Provides a list of books considered by scholars to be important for African American college freshmen to read. The recommendations are accompanied by reasons as to why these books may have a profound effect on the lives of these students. (GLR)

A study evaluated a four-year undergraduate curriculum in occupational therapy based on the idea that qualitative differences in the way students approach learning, transferred to the group level, can help diagnose structural defects in a curriculum. Results and methodology are discussed. (Author/MSE)

Describes a method of encouraging student participation in large classes where students make brief notes of their participation to turn in at the end of class. Explains that credit is given for each acceptable item up to three a day. Suggests that this system encourages more participation by rewarding participation with higher grades. (DK)

Participating in research is valuable for the undergraduate college student's development in the sciences. Students can observe the professor's typical behavior as he leads the research effort as well as learn and practice research ideas and techniques. Financial support is needed for this kind of research involvement. (MSE)

Presents Galbraith and James's taxonomy of seven perceptual modalities (i.e., print, aural, interactive, visual, haptic, kinesthetic, and olfactory). Discusses ways educators can demonstrate perceptual modalities in the classroom and help students identify their personal style of learning. Explains how this knowledge can facilitate learning in a…

The study examined the validity of the Eccles model of achievement behaviors for its predictive validity in determining student persistence in the postsecondary educational system to completion of the baccalaureate degree. The value placed on college attendance had significant influence on persistence. (Author/MLW)

Described are the background, structure, themes, methodology, projects, and assessment for the course. A list of themes is provided. Results of the piloting of the course are discussed. (CW)