Conversation classes have three goals: (1) to introduce and practice elements of spoken language; (2) to bring passive knowledge of the language into active use; and (3) to create a situation in which the two other goals may be realized. The place, the material, and the topic are important in achieving these goals. (CFM)

Conversation cards are a basis for guided role play and are used for reviewing a foreign language unit. After two or more units, conversation cards are combined into extended conversations (conversations libres). Two detailed examples are given of conversations libres and some sample conversation cards are appended. (LMO)

Discusses production and evaluation of interactive computer-assisted videodisc laboratory tutorial simulations for use in prelaboratory instruction and as laboratory experiment replacement in an undergraduate chemistry course. Student performance on laboratory reports and tests was significantly better for students who utilized the simulations.…

Discusses a method for involving students in topics so that research evolves from a desire to know. Describes using response group discussion about real life problems to find topics, freewriting loops, and class presentation before and during research. Reports positive atmosphere and interest. (JG)

Three high school students present findings of their survey of professional writers' training, influences, and writing processes conducted to judge whether secondary school writing programs adequately prepare high schoolers for writing in the future. Comments from writers emphasized prewriting, inspiration, reader feedback, and sequential drafts.…

The American Association of Dental Schools' curriculum guidelines for predoctoral community dentistry include an overview of the field and its interrelationships with other fields and suggestions for primary educational goals, prerequisites, core content, specific behavioral objectives, sequencing, faculty, and facilities. (MSE)

Traces the development of biochemistry curriculum in the universities of India. Describes the biochemistry courses offered at the graduate level at Baroda University. Discusses governmental actions to improve biochemical education in India, including the establishment of the Curriculum Development Center at Baroda. (TW)

Describes a course offered at the United States Coast Guard Academy that deals with the marine transportation of hazardous materials. Outlines the major topics covered in the course, including marine transportation regulations. Discusses the use of lectures, laboratory demonstrations, and "hands-on" activities in the instructional…

Discusses the need for engineering students to develop good written and oral communication skills. Describes an effort underway in the civil engineering department at Youngstown State University (Ohio) to create a departmental policy that includes the emphasis of effective communication skills. Details some actions taken in developing the policy.…

Humanities courses in the discussion format can clarify existential problems of the human condition that face students. The craft of teaching lies in assisting the learner out of ignorance into an increased awareness of what it means to be humanly alive. The teacher as catalyst is described. (MLW)

Presents five projects on student voting rights recommended for college students in U.S. government and constitutional law courses. Projects include reading the state's residency law, investigating state and local interpretation of student voting rights, researching the constitutional issues involved in voting rights, and surveying students as to…

Gives the background history and chemistry of modern day chemical warfare from World War I to the present. Provides discussion questions to stimulate deeper thinking on the issue. Contains a discussion activity called "Can New Chemical Weapons Lead to Humane Warfare?" (CW)

A university faculty member developed first-year French instructional materials with a computer authoring program. The materials covered three classes of regular verb conjugations, noncognate vocabulary, and major grammatical structures. Initial results indicate the exercises helped students learn the material and successfully transfer it to other…

Investigated the cognitive engagement of students in grades 4-6 who received science lessons that varied in the level of cognitive content, procedural complexity, and social organization. The variables did not significantly affect student involvement. Cognitive engagement was similar for tasks judged as low and high in difficulty. (SKC)

Describes some of the population education efforts currently underway in school and non-school situations in China, India, Indonesia, Maldives, the Philippines, and Vietnam. (TW)