Described is a multidisciplinary group project for undergraduate students in astronomy and physics. The students design and build a simple radiotelescope subject to a number of realistic constraints such as fixed cost, use of a standard communications receiver, and buying of supplementary building materials off the shelf. (BT)

A large-scale reorganization of higher education based on institutional cooperation and specialization is proposed. The first two years of general B.A. equivalent work would be handled by community colleges and then students would transfer to liberal arts colleges with specialized programs. (Author/MLW)

Describes a classroom technique designed to inject an interactive discussion framework into the classroom and to focus students' attention on reading and absorbing information from a textbook. (DDR)

Recounts a series of teaching exercises designed to develop a critical awareness of attitudes toward gays and lesbians. The first set consists of short, active-listening exercises between students. The second involves observation and comparison of public displays of affection between heterosexual couples and gay couples. (MJP)

Suggests that using the one-minute paper to teach an introductory economics course increases economic knowledge regardless of student ability level and instructor characteristics. The one-minute paper is a form of feedback where the students answer a few basic questions about the lesson at the end of the class. (MJP)

Examines issues related to incorporating an equation-solving software package into the undergraduate curriculum in chemical engineering. Observations and conclusions apply to equation-solving packages other than Mathcad. (DDR)

Presents two separate interviews on one topic. William Styron and James West discuss West's biography of Styron from the vantage points of subject and biographer. Styron reveals some of the painful incidents in his life and West delineates how these have influenced Styron's work. Includes several photographs. (MJP)

Recounts a university's attempt to create a more rigorous and rewarding sociology program. Utilizing recommendations from the American Sociological Association the university introduced four levels of sequencing consisting of introductory courses, skills courses, advanced substantive courses, and capstone courses. Concludes that this was a…

A study compared response strategies and error patterns of 272 college freshmen on chemistry test items in multiple choice and constructed response formats. Analysis of test data indicated no significant difference in solution strategies used or types of errors committed across test formats. However, interviews with 21 participants revealed…

Traditional approaches to defining academic quality (reputational, resources, and outcomes or value-added) are criticized as not providing useful information. An alternative perspective is offered, focusing on fundamental course-level academic processes and defining the quality of such processes as the level of understanding of course content…

The Multimedia Education Laboratory of the Chemical Engineering Department at the University of Michigan develops multimedia-based educational materials presenting difficult concepts and chemical engineering processes. Highlights include software developed for undergraduate courses; the Multimedia Encyclopedia of Chemical Engineering Equipment;…

Describes how undergraduate libraries have responded to change and the changing needs of undergraduate students. Examines statistics from 20 libraries, and summarizes results of a survey of 9 libraries on book versus periodical usage; staff size; reference staff philosophy; library status; and response to increased emphasis on undergraduate…

Describes a step-by-step process utilized in an undergraduate statistics course for social science teachers. The approach emphasized basic concepts, story problems, and cooperative learning. Evaluation was provided by examinations and research papers using statistical analysis. Student improvement throughout the course was consistent and…

Outlines a step-by-step process through which students can construct, defend, and test historical arguments. These include to support the claim with facts and analyze their relevance, to oppose the claim with additional facts, to rebut this claim with additional facts, and to ask for new information to test the claim. (MJP)

Reviews issues related to American Indian studies programs from Native and non-Native perspectives. Discusses who should study American Indians, the value of American Indian studies for Native and non-Native students, the feasibility of Indian advisory boards for funding agencies and mass media producers, and issues of scholarly review. (SV)