Described is an undergraduate biology course which uses exercises for teaching critical thinking. A line-of-reasoning model is presented. Evidence for the effectiveness of this approach is presented. (CW)

Described are modifications made in a traditional introductory biology course and the resulting improvement in student achievement and attitude. The use of cooperative learning groups is stressed. (CW)

A study of 352 social work students (predominantly from minority group backgrounds and admitted to an undergraduate social work program between 1980 and 1987) examined factors contributing to retention or attrition and possible strategies for reaching out to students at risk. The report is described, and the research methodology is presented as a…

Describes a case study on breast cancer and the access to adequate medical care to help demonstrate the use of the case study method in instruction. This is one of a series of articles written to stimulate interest in the use of the case study method in teaching undergraduate level science. (ZWH)

A study of students formerly enrolled (n=198) and currently enrolled (n=282) in an undergraduate engineering program found that students' present characteristics and situations were more predictive of persistence than past or future factors; and few differences between men and women emerged. The best overall predictor of persistence was grade…

Drexel University (Pennsylvania) will overhaul its first- and second-year curricula by using extensive team teaching, designing interdisciplinary courses, introducing students to their majors earlier, and having students work in small groups. A pilot program in engineering has been successful. Goals are to improve education and boost retention.…

In 2 undergraduate anatomy courses involving a total of 473 prenursing and allied-health professions students, performances of students assigned to an interactive videodisc computer lab did not differ significantly from those of students in the traditional cadaver demonstration lab. (Author/DB)

Describes a longitudinal study of students' first two years at a Norwegian university. Reports a positive correlation between upper secondary and university success. Good study habits had a positive effect on self-confidence but did not affect grades until the fourth semester. Increasing study hours did not necessarily improve grades. (DMM)

Because of the rapid evolution of electronic publishing and information technology, books will be only one of a wide variety of formats for information exchange. In undergraduate study as in other areas, the future of books is dependent on the continuing habitual tendency and preference of adults to read text. (MSE)

Describes a teaching exercise in an undergraduate psychology course in which students read a book with unconventional perspectives on the field of study. Maintains that the activity develops critical reading and thinking skills by confronting students with controversial views. Identifies some of the books selected to fit the criteria of this…

Undergraduate education is illiberal because the progression from general to specialized learning does not support students in learning how to make choices or explore their consequences. Courses late in the student's program, rather than at the outset, that explore disciplinary boundaries and interconnections could be useful. (MSE)

Discusses two upper division writing-intensive courses, Sociological Theory and Sociology of Religion, offered at Millsaps College (Mississippi). Argues that greater emphasis on writing in the upper-division sociology courses allows students to become better learners and better sociologists. (DB)

Describes the approach and materials for an undergraduate workshop in research skills and analyzes its successes and failures. Outlines steps to "Power Researching," questions to ask about topics, how to read and write citations, and evaluation of information sources. Provides a bibliography of sources on the search process, topic analysis and…

Discusses the merits of investigative labs and how they change the role of students from passive direction followers to more creative and analytical thinkers. Focuses on the University of Minnesota's program in the Virgin Islands that involves undergraduates in research. (DDR)

Describes the experiences at Nova Southeastern University (Florida) in designing and implementing a Web-based online undergraduate program using full-time faculty and an existing course of studies. Explains the initial pilot program and provides guidelines for designing complete online programs. (LRW)