This article examines four sets of factors that may potentially affect the incidental vocabulary acquisition from oral input of second-language (L2) learners. These include the intrinsic properties of L2 words; the nature of the input; the role of interaction; and individual learner factors. (Contains 85 references.) (MDM)

Ways in which colleges can involve their students in voluntary community service programs are outlined, and development of campus service programs is discussed. The program at East Tennessee State University is offered as illustration. A list of community service resource organizations, with addresses, is included. (MSE)

A discussion of student pregnancy during medical residencies looks at the available literature and discusses related problems and issues. Well-written, specific parental leave policies are advocated. A national survey concerning maternity leave policy in psychiatry programs is cited, and further research in other specialties is recommended.…

Describes the Graduate Mentor Program at the University of California Los Angeles. Discusses the importance of both faculty and graduate student mentors in recruiting talented minority students into graduate study of political science. Emphasizes minority students' lack of knowledge about graduate school, the graduate application process, and the…

Analyzes the structure of academic sociology departments. Stresses the competition for resources and symbolic capital among different groups including faculty, support staff, research staff, graduate students, and undergraduate students. Focuses on the complex role of graduate students, the constraints, and the opportunities it opens. Urges reform…

Authors from urban public two-year college; rural, selective residential private college; and suburban, commuter, public university describe their efforts to involve enrolled African-American students in recruiting prospective students. Discusses off-campus recruitment events, prospective student visitation days on campus, phone-a-thons, and using…

Discusses metacognition and offers strategies for developing metacognitive behaviors that can be used in school library resource centers. Topics discussed include thinking processes; problem solving; student journals or learning logs; student planning and self-regulation; closure activities for evaluation; self-evaluation; and shared planning…

The Iowa Board of Regents requires faculty to present a disclaimer when classroom instructional materials include sexually explicit content and allow students to complete alternative assignments. Some feel the policy strikes a healthy balance between academic freedom and student choice; others see it as giving students undue authority. (MSE)

With a view to reducing student dependence on teachers in English/English-as-a-Second-Language classes, the discussion directly addresses students on the active motivation and management of their learning. Teacher-student collaboration centers on needs analysis, performance contracts, evaluation, goal setting, and problem solving. Appendices…

Provides an overview of research literature on gifted children and their families with an emphasis on the endogenous and exogenous factors that can create or exacerbate psychosocial problems. Describes current conceptualizations of giftedness. Suggests an eclectic, eco-systemic approach to three common concerns that bring gifted children and their…

Discusses cooperative learning and considers the use of interactive group software. Highlights include students' roles in groups; group accountability and peer pressure; the use of strong narrative; and characteristics to look for when reviewing software for interactive group use, including opportunity and context for group interaction and social…

Examines competing and conflicting approaches to curriculum (using information from an ATLAS (Authentic Teaching, Learning, and Assessment of all Students) seminar study group that investigated differences in participants' approaches), describing the four sources of authority that shape curriculum decisions, discussing different balances of…

Describes the development of the practices and perspectives of one elementary school teacher as she engaged in teacher-as-researcher methodology in both urban and suburban settings. Documents how the teacher-as-researcher began to explore science inquiry in an elementary setting and how students, parents, and educators became co-learners,…

Describes an investigation into the social dynamics of a technology-mediated preservice teacher environment (an Internet discussion group) and the extent to which community-building occurred. Discourse analysis examined how the technology-mediated discourse community reflected five main categories characterizing the ethos of classroom communities.…

Two Dartmouth Medical School (New Hampshire) medical students and their faculty sponsor collaborated to develop an elective course in women's health. Development and implementation of this course and the process by which it was later made part of the required curriculum are described. The success of the effort highlights the crucial role students…