Argues for a conversational community within the social studies profession. Explores relevant attributes of such a community. Suggests that researchers ask (1) who speaks, (2) the topics of discourse, and (3) how language is used. Concludes that a conversational community does exist but is kept from its full potential by distrust between teachers…

The proposition that teacher perceptions of the fairness of their workloads are related to varying levels of commitment, job satisfaction, and morale was studied for 472 high school teachers. Results from the mail survey support the proposition. Implications for administrative practice are discussed. (SLD)

Describes a study that examined the effects of personal attributes, organizational factors, and attitudinal factors on the adoption of computers for instruction by university faculty. Results are reported which indicate that the technological orientation of the faculty's discipline, computer self-efficacy, computer utility beliefs, and attitude…

Programs for faculty and teaching assistants at eight universities were designed to address the instructional needs of increasingly diverse student populations. Common elements of success included institutional commitment, administrative support, faculty involvement, active learning strategies, facilitator training, and evaluation. The programs…

Based on a survey of American Indian four-year college faculty, recommendations are made for colleges to enhance the environment for and retain this population. The following issues are discussed: the need for institutional commitment to hiring of American Indians; mentoring; and perceptions of research by American Indians. (MSE)

Reasons and techniques for encouraging planned giving among baby-boomers are outlined, and one approach is detailed. This involves recruiting a volunteer financial services team of alumni to host financial presentations for fellow alumni in their local areas, and developing a newsletter for the target alumni population. The fund-raising program at…

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which promises closer economic relations between Canada, the United States, and Mexico, has implications for higher education. These include the need for better understanding of the different educational systems, more educational and cultural exchange, and expanded area studies and language…

Common pitfalls for colleges and universities in hiring faculty and in career development efforts are identified, and recommendations are made for both faculty and administrators to begin to halt the attrition of minority and female faculty members. (MSE)

Liberal arts college deans have a special responsibility to link faculty needs with institutional resources and goals. Deans need to help faculty members find research projects and approaches that fit the college's resources and to support them in their sometimes competing roles. (MSE)

The quest for diversity must overcome the resistance of traditional White, male faculty to redefining the mission and curriculum of the liberal arts college. Change will be difficult, but it must occur if liberal arts colleges are to survive and maintain a central and relevant place in multicultural America. (MSE)

Describes the creation of a glacial park on a university campus. Suggests that the park is a useful instructional resource that helps students relate classroom material to outdoor phenomena by visualizing and identifying glacial landforms, recognizing their spatial relationships, and understanding how glacial features originated. Offers advice for…

A review of research suggests that major factors in job satisfaction among women in higher education administration are (1) perceptions of the communication climate; (2) elements contributing to chronic job stress; and (3) facets of work support. Within each category, a variety of elements are important. (MSE)

Syracuse University (New York) has found that the focused, collaborative approach to institutional administration embodied in Total Quality Management is beneficial. It requires allocation of adequate time and resources, observation of others, communication, addressing high-need areas first, and willingness to adapt, but it may bring resistance…

A model of institutional adaptation to diversity emerged from case studies of 10 public universities. The model depicts state policy influencing the priorities and practices of work groups within a university. The resulting adaptation of organizational culture leads to improvements in participation and graduation for minorities. (Author/MSE)

A discussion of college student leadership retreats looks at the factors that should be considered in planning a retreat. These include the physical environment of the site, establishment of norms and expectations for the group, and demographic and personal characteristics of the participants that are likely to affect group interaction. (MSE)