Reform proposals for Japan's large higher education system include diminishing the trauma of university entrance examinations, strengthening the quality and diversity of undergraduate education, improving graduate school offerings, establishing a lifelong education system, and expanding the scope of international exchange programs. Politics are…

Describes courses at a small liberal arts college in which faculty and librarians work together to instruct undergraduates in the use of the library. Topics covered in each course and types of teaching methods and assignments used are discussed. (CLB)

Reviews the current state of chemical engineering education in Nigeria and points out the distinctive features of its approach to undergraduate education. Discusses problems associated with funding, enrollment, and lack of supporting industries. Includes four recommendations for resolving problem areas. (ML)

Discusses the usage of online bibliographic database searching in political science research for undergraduates. Explains several advantages of this research tool. Proves a step-by-step description of how to use this research tool. Gives a specific example of this process and lists a selected directory of database vendors and political science…

Summarizes five speeches from the Second National Conference of the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR). Probes the role of undergraduate institutions in improving precollege training and structuring student research programs. Discusses some current problems of science and science education. Considers the history and activities of the CUR. (YP)

Presents some strategies that have been used to overcome problems in instructional areas of introductory biology programs. Focuses on maintaining an emphasis on inquiry, developing the process of science, the design of process laboratory activities, reducing cookbook laboratory orientation, and educating staff. (CW)

Describes a physical organic experiment in thermodynamics and kinetics for undergraduate courses in organic chemistry, biochemistry, or physical chemistry. Details background information, solution preparations, equipment and methods, and the suggested experiments such as determination of general-base-catalytic coefficients and the Bronsted…

Discusses how computers are used to teach historical research. Describes an honors course at University of Texas (Austin) taught by the author that presents the computer as a tool rather than an end in itself. (GEA)

Describes two introductory exercises designed to teach the fundamental ideas and methods of crystallography, and to convey some important features of inorganic and organic crystal structures to students in an advanced laboratory course. Exercises include "The Crystal Structure of NiO" and "The Crystal Structure of Beta-Fumaric Acid." (CW)

Describes a student learning activity used to teach the meaning of percentage composition, mole concept, selective precipitation, and limiting factors. Presents two word problems and their solutions. (CW)

Analyzes English program catalog descriptions at 81 four-year colleges. Concludes that the English major has changed little since 1965-68, with literature remaining at the core of the program. (MM)

Describes a project that can be used to encourage intellectual independence in students and teach them some of the inquiry procedures used in scientific research. Discusses procedures, safety precautions, and sample results. (CW)

The relationship between general, liberal and professional education is discussed within the context of reforming undergraduate education. Physical education professors and administrators are encouraged to actively participate in education reform and to consider their role in general education programs. (JL)

Discusses the role of political science in undergraduate education, focusing on the discipline's contribution to the general education portion of the baccalaureate. Suggests that introductory courses reduce coverage in order to provide general education students with a better understanding of the material presented, resulting in greater interest…

The year-long evaluation process of an undergraduate public administration program is described, and the course changes made as a result are outlined. The benefits and advantages of the evaluation are considered. (MSE)