The significance of the "course effect" as well as the "teacher effect" on the student rating of teaching competence was assessed using analysis of variance. The results clearly show that the ratings students assign to teachers is affected as much by the kind of course being taught as by the teacher himself. (Editor/LBH)

Describes a research paper project for high school students that requires them to incorporate source information into a conversational letter. Builds topic around an imaginary class reunion aboard an ocean liner. Notes that the students internalize the assignment, find a practical reason for using reference books, and actually enjoy the research.…

Describes a writing assignment in which students collected oral histories from Vietnam veterans in their community, edited the transcripts of their interviews, prepared manuscripts for a booklet of ten interviews, and composed cover letters for the final product. Notes positive effects of both the revision work and the primary research. (JG)

Presents an approach to teaching basic and advanced courses in cataloging that determines course objectives by identifying the categories of students involved. The course content, instructional materials, and presentation methods are described in detail, and the success of the courses in generating interest among students is discussed. (CLB)

Reports on a study designed to determine the current status of courses in engineering materials and their relationship to machine design and design project courses in mechanical engineering technology programs. Includes discussions of two recommendations of the study that were endorsed by a national conference. (TW)

Describes some of the contributions made by the field of paleontology to theories in geology and biology. Suggests that the two best examples of modern evolutionary paleontology relate to the theory of punctuated equilibria, and the possibility that mass extinctions may be cyclic. (TW)

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 a summer course in chemical engineering. Includes discussions of the course program, course goals, student performance, and course faculty. Lists examples of informal experiments which have been used, and prerequisite courses that are required for students to enroll in the course. (CW)

Although preservice teachers may be prepared for the uncertainty of teaching by what is implicit in the curriculum, that uncertainty is rarely explicated in journals. This article introduces the issue for discussion and explores what it would mean for teacher education programs to confront uncertainty head on. (JL)

A collaborative effort of French and West German radio produced a series of programs providing French language instruction and practice. The programs consist of dialogues, exercises, civilization, and an authentic cultural document. (MSE)

The most appropriate literature for study in general education is world literature from antiquity to the present, not limited to English-language works but expanded to include translated readings concerning basic moral and political issues. (MSE)

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…

Outlines the format for a course dedicated exclusively to the teaching of listening skills at the intermediate and advanced second language instruction levels. Suggestions are made regarding instructional materials, testing, grading, assignments, class interaction, and organization. (Author/CB)

Describes an introductory course required of all engineering students at the Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal (Canada). Discusses the design of the course, including its emphasis upon the facets of engineering careers, direct experience, and written and spoken communication. (TW)

States that northern politics deserve a place in Canadian curricula because of its intrinsic interest and the opportunities it offers to study the relationship between aboriginal peoples and the Canadian state. Discusses territorial governments and the economic and constitutional problems facing them. Concludes that studying the north may bring…