Describes library and information science education in Norway with emphasis on a postgraduate program in information science and data processing, and a research and development group integrated into that program. The discussion covers the importance of data processing training in preparing students for information handling in libraries and other…

Discusses the use of robotics in the analytical chemistry laboratory. Suggests using a modular setup to best use robots and laboratory space. Proposes a sample preparation system which can perform aliquot measurement, dilution, mixing, separation, and sample transfer. Recognizes attributes and shortcomings. (ML)

Reports two electrochemical demonstrations. Uses a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell to power a clock. Includes description of methods and materials. Investigates the "potato clock" used with different fruits. Lists emf and current for various fruit and electrode combinations. (ML)

A survey of 4,072 college faculty examined institutional and disciplinary differences in faculty opinions of desired outcomes of undergraduate education. Significant differences by both institution type and discipline were found in emphasis on knowledge acquisition versus knowledge application and integration. It is suggested that reform of…

A national survey of 212 colleges and universities investigated the strategies and characteristics of institutions that are able to maintain a strong emphasis on both research and undergraduate teaching. Results indicate those that are successful are unique in certain respects that distinguish them from research universities and liberal arts…

A study (n=510) investigated students' cognitive and noncognitive variables predicting success and persistence in an undergraduate engineering program. Students performing well in science and mathematics and genuinely interested in engineering were more likely to persist and succeed. Predictor variables changed over the students' first two years.…

The customer service marketing model provides an organizing strategy for advising in higher education. The university contributes resources for an advising process that addresses needs and expectations of students as customers and faculty as providers. This model is evident in a recent survey of 58 bachelor's degree recipients in social work. (MSE)

The University of North Dakota, North Dakota State University, and North Dakota State College of Science offer complete undergraduate and graduate degree programs on an interactive video network, sometimes broadcasting at off-campus sites, making higher education more accessible and causing faculty to shift their perspectives on teaching. (MSE)

Observes a general dislike among instructors for large classes. Reviews research which suggests that instruction in large introductory college psychology classes may be superior to more conventional teaching methods. Explains that large group teaching can be helped through audiovisual aids, outlines, and detailed notes. Emphasizes the importance…

Relationships between colleague ratings of 29 personality traits and student ratings of teacher effectiveness were studied for 46 faculty members in 6 types of courses ranging from freshman lectures to graduate seminars in a Canadian university's psychology department. Teachers are differentially suited to different course levels because of…

Thomas Edison State College (New Jersey) has developed a computer-assisted distance learning system to make undergraduate study more accessible, efficient, and effective for nontraditional students. The three main components: an infrastructure to provide varied technical services; an independent study course system; and diagnostic, online pretests…

A survey of 121 undergraduate and graduate social work students and 96 field instructors found that many students had experienced verbal and physical abuse and that most instructors had experienced verbal abuse and physical violence. Although students received some instruction on safety, practicum agencies often had no safety policies. Curriculum…

National Institutes of Health programs supporting minority college students in biomedical research, the "Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC)" program and the "Minority Biomedical Research Support (MBRS)" program, offer an effective model of mentoring that can be replicated across disciplines. Changes in the way…

Discusses an interactive approach to teaching a year-long, holistic introductory course that integrates anthropology with sociology. The course incorporates a number of specific techniques for eliciting student participation and is premised on the philosophy that mental engagement is especially appropriate in sciences that deal with reflexive…

Asserts that the computerized stock market simulation described by Williams and Walker is complex and a better approach to teaching financial economics. Describes a noncomputerized version of the same teaching activity used to teach asset valuation to undergraduate financial economics students. (CFR)