During academic year 1999-2000, the Geography Department at Michigan State University (MSU) launched a program of online geography courses. Since then, four undergraduate online geography courses have been collectively developed and delivered to over 4,500 domestic and international students in association with MSU's Virtual University Design and…

Prior to the 1960s, college and university faculty were treated as at-will employees, despite the establishment of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) in 1915 and the circulation after 1940 of its statement on academic freedom. Through the McCarthy period of the 1950s, faculty were not free either on or off campus to speak to…

A number of recent criticisms relating to education for library and information work are discussed. These criticisms are interpreted as centring on the level of "meaningfulness" of such education, in terms of deep critical understanding; relevance of content to working practice; and development of personal qualities additional to narrower…

This paper examines issues that K-12 science and social studies teachers need to keep in mind when teaching about nuclear power. The information needs to be presented in as objective a manner as possible. Science needs to become more social oriented. Team teaching should be encouraged. Elementary and secondary inservice teacher education is…

Explores questions raised in discussions of genocide and reviews ways in which the topic can be investigated. Argues that no matter what the outcome of student inquiry, it is essential that schools carefully and comprehensively include the study of genocide in social studies curricula as a means of reducing the potential for its occurrence. (GEA)

One's conceptions define what is worth learning about war and peace and why. Educators must make important choices of content. Three conceptions of peace education are discussed: those that focus on information, those that center on issues, and those dealing with attitudes. (RM)

Maintains that a comprehensive approach to sex education, emphasizing the central role of human sexuality in the life cycle and devoid of the subterfuges of the past, is imperative and long overdue. Delineates qualities of the sex educator and sounds a challenge to follow the Russian model for sex education. (NEC)

The debate over political correctness and cultural diversity in U.S. higher education is examined, and three basic questions are raised: who is to be taught?, what is to be taught?, and who will teach it?. Higher education's contribution to social change is seen to be its ability to discuss issues with openness, candor, and reason. (DB)

This article addresses the issue of assessment and how it is becoming such a critical problem for higher education, especially for teachers of the liberal arts. While the common-sense goals of assessment are laudable, the actual consequences of the process are far from beneficial. It is suggested that ongoing assessment diverts teachers from…

How did life evolve on Earth? The answer to this question can help us understand our past and prepare for our future. Although evolution provides credible and reliable answers, polls show that many people turn away from science, seeking other explanations with which they are more comfortable. In the book "Science, Evolution, and…

What should be the role of our institutions of higher education? To promote good moral character? To bring an end to racism, sexism, economic oppression, and other social ills? To foster diversity and democracy and produce responsible citizens? In "Save the World On Your Own Time", Stanley Fish argues that, however laudable these goals might be,…

This brief is one coach's perspective on the ways that culture and race may impact how we engage other professionals in the roles as literacy coaches and at the same time, explore how cultural sensitivity may increase the capacity for fundamental change in the schools we serve. It is written in response to the many conversations the author has had…

This article advocates integrating academic integrity education into the business law course. Many have suggested teaching business ethics this way but have ignored the natural overlap in legal content with the traditional business law course. This article focuses on why and how business law instructors should integrate the two. Rather than…

Students in my applied advanced statistics course for educational administration doctoral students developed a follow-up survey for teacher preparation programs, using the following scale development processes: adopting a framework; developing items; providing evidence of content validity; conducting a pilot test; and analyzing data. The students…

This paper looks at a qualitative case study of distance learning at Universiti Utara Malaysia as described by a small group of distance learners as they progress through their courses at the institution. It concerns the learners--it is their story, their experience, their perspective. In particular, this thematic report looks at "learning…