Presents examples of questions and answers arising from a hands-on and exploratory approach to discrete mathematics using cuisenaire rods. Combinatorial questions about trains formed of cuisenaire rods provide the setting for discovering numerical patterns by experimentation and organizing the results using induction and successive differences.…

Offers calculus students and teachers the opportunity to motivate and discover the first Fundamental Theorem of Calculus (FTC) in an experimental, experiential, inductive, intuitive, vernacular-based manner. Starting from the observation that a distance traveled at a constant speed corresponds to the area inside a rectangle, the FTC is discovered,…

This study investigated on-going program evaluation techniques designed to assess 22 special education preservice students' perceptions of the efficacy of a direct instruction course. Based on formative and summative evaluations, the study revealed a high level of satisfaction with direct instruction components that increased after field-based…

Contends that academic training involving collaboration of sociology and history disciplines should begin at the undergraduate, rather than the graduate, level. Advocates teaching sociological principles in a historical context. Suggests that a course examining the interplay of sociology and history should be required for sociology majors. (DB)

Describes complexities experienced in revising an introductory course in western civilization at the University of Kansas. Observes an important component was the inclusion of primary sources on the reading list. Discusses text selection and explains the efforts to achieve a historical balance and cover issues such as racism, sexism, and…

A survey of engineering students (436 responses) who participated in either an academic research or a cooperative work program found that both programs strongly influenced participants' skills, job values, and life objectives. Cooperative employment influenced students' skills and career decisions, and research experience influenced values and…

Describes an undergraduate history course based on the television miniseries, "Winds of War." Discusses problems faced by the instructors and additional requirements of the course that provided a firm historical foundation for the film. Recommends use of televised motion pictures as a superior means of generating student interest in…

Undergraduate students (n=239) participated in group experiments measuring creative performance. Results indicated that performance was influenced by group diversity, and greatest frequency of responses occurred from individuals brainstorming independently after group brainstorming. For creativity that required responses that break away from the…

Decline in quality of undergraduate instruction is due not to general decline in faculty values but to an active market for faculty in which prestige-seeking colleges and universities compete to build institutional excellence through the faculty they hire, at the expense of undergraduate teaching. (MSE)

A survey of over 150 baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral programs in social work investigated the kinds of program outcomes assessment systems used. Frequency of use of each system is examined, comparison is made across levels, and implications for social work education at each level are discussed. (Author/MSE)

Discusses whether change in favor of vocational preparation compromises liberal arts values and what effects such a change would have in undergraduate psychology programs. Proposes a new liberal skills model and curriculum changes emphasizing career advising, career-relevant coursework, curricula enrichment, and fieldwork. Urges that career…

Uses of the Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education and Faculty and Institutional Inventories by Alverno College (Wisconsin), American Association of State Colleges and Universities, College of Marin (California), Columbia College (Michigan), University of Maryland, and Wayne State College (Nebraska) illustrate their…

An examination of the Japanese system of higher education, viewed in comparison with the U.S. system, looks at the cultural context of education in general, organization of institutions and instruction, college admission, women's education, undergraduate student life, and Japanese interest in higher education change. Prospects for change are…

Four articles about education for library and information studies in the United States discuss philosophies, goals, and objectives of graduate programs; the history and status of undergraduate degree and certification programs; the differentiation between master's, postmaster's, and doctoral programs; and the impact of professional associations on…

Three directories list programs preparing teachers, professional specialists, and interpreters for hearing-impaired and deaf individuals. The directories list programs by state, including such information as program level (graduate or undergraduate), department address and program director, date of program establishment, number of graduates, and…