Described are the Undergraduate Research Participation and Student-Originated Studies programs supported by the National Science Foundation. These summer programs offer undergraduate students firsthand research experiences in science and engineering. Students gain a better appreciation of the way science works and experiences in research…

How to identify and measure educational quality pervades American education. The Higher Education Research Institute and the Council on Learning launched a study to identify broad quality indicators, particularly at the undergraduate level. Peer groups and indices of selectivity are among the facets used to measure quality of education. (MLW)

A study was conducted to examine undergraduate external degree programs and to assess their value in terms of job advancement and preparation for further education for approximately 1500 selected pre-September, 1975, graduates from 21 institutions with external degree programs. The relevance of such programs for adult education is discussed.…

Reports the development of an integrated clinical approach to introductory chemistry education at the undergraduate level for students majoring in nursing and the allied health professions at the University of Lowell. (BT)

Presents the results of a study to determine the efficacy of slide/tape and cine-loop presentations in teaching a microbiological manipulative skill to undergraduate students. (Author/SA)

Argues that deliberations between two-year and four-year college faculty regarding the structure and content of the curriculum and faculty roles can do much to enhance transfer programs. Suggests that faculty should increase their involvement in transfer and articulation processes rather than remaining isolated in their classrooms. (33 citations)…

Good teaching highlights underlying connections between creation and dissemination of knowledge. Analysis of successful biology departments for underlying themes in improving undergraduate education led to the following conclusions: the best kind of teaching is one-on-one; change must be firmly grounded at the departmental or programmatic level;…

Outlines a series of strategies and approaches to increase undergraduate student participation. Strongly recommends the use of study questions (disseminated prior to the readings) and a classroom management style emphasizing participation and involvement rather than an immediate mastery of the material. Discusses the benefits and limitations of…

Provides a step-by-step process for designing effective and interesting simulations. Explains and gives examples for the four steps: defining teaching goals, constructing the simulation, running the simulation, and debriefing. Asserts that simulations develop critical thinking and other skills. Examines possible means of assessment. (MJP)

Argues that the fragmentary nature of mass media has made students suspicious of the traditional lecture format. Recommends that history teachers incorporate questions concerning source material and knowledge (e.g. How do I know this?) into their presentations. Suggests a number of activities and texts that can be used to involve students in…

Asserts that, to participate in a modern economy, every region needs at least one "bigjob" (basic income generating-job). Describes a mapping activity that helps students identify bigjobs in state economies. Uses California as an example and reveals that, contrary to popular opinion, real estate is California's bigjob. (MJP)

The John Templeton Foundation encourages colleges and universities to foster students' moral development by establishing the "Honor Roll for Character-Building Colleges" to recognize institutions that emphasize character building as an integral part of the undergraduate experience. Ten programs featured in the 1996-97 honor roll are profiled…

Utilizes excerpts from an undergraduate elementary education student's journal to examine generalist teachers' attitudes towards musical competency and the necessary qualifications for teachers. Traces one teacher's recognition of her own musicality and the corresponding influence on her feelings of competency to teach this subject in an…

Describes a special topics course in American popular psychology. Course objectives are to trace the history of the popularization of psychology in America; discuss the efforts of William James, G. Stanley Hall, and others; and evaluate the quality of various examples of popular psychology. (MJP)

Maintains that the standard Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS) does not include many common events that act as stressors for college students and includes many events that have little or no meaning for them. Introduces an instrument intended for classroom demonstrations: the College Undergraduate Stress Scale (CUSS). (MJP)