In the Program in Social Ecology at the University of California, Irvine, a unique civil liberties class has been developed for undergraduates that uses a modified socratic approach. Its goals, subject matter, methodology, and student response are described. (LBH)

Presents an overview of pedagogical science in Western Germany and explores the role of pedagogical science in educational reform. Concludes that pedagogical policy decisions have tended to follow political trends within the power structure of political parties and other organized special interest groups. (Author/DB)

The Exploratory Teaming program was created to help youngsters develop specific skills in each of the subject areas (music, art, home economics, industrial arts, and speech/drama) while simultaneously fostering qualities of respect, responsibility, and pride in workmanship. (For availability, see EA 507 405.) (Author/IRT)

To ascertain some possible consequences of prospective law students taking undergraduate legal studies courses, a number of legal scholars were asked to comment on how law schools, professional education, or understandings of law might be different if undergraduate legal education were taken seriously. Responses by six scholars are included. (JT)

Students from four health professions--medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, and physical therapy--initiated a course designed to improve their knowledge of one another's training and skills, with the larger aim of preparing themselves to work in health care teams. The nine weekly meetings are described in terms of their content and students'…

Colorado State University has developed a strong interdisciplinary faculty that provides the entire university with graduate and undergraduate instruction in the basic biomedical sciences--anatomy, physiology, and microbiology--in addition to instruction in the professional curriculum. (LBH)

A consultancy grant was requested by the University of Nebraska at Omaha from the National Endowment for the Humanities because enrollments in advanced language courses were dwindling. It was suggested that language majors be expanded into area and interdisciplinary studies. Details of recommendations and grant application procedures are included.…

Earlier generations of developmental psychologists, seeking to make their discipline a normative science, stressed experimental study of children, method over subject matter, and fundamental laws underlying behavior. By contrast, the generation of psychologists after 1970 is inclusive in its research methodology, concerned with the connection…

Describes a method that students can use to build portable planetariums. After building the models, students are familiar with the names of constellations and major stars and are able to share their projects with other students. (DDR)

Discusses research from a variety of disciplines that focuses on professional education and the implications of such research on the formal preparation of professionals in higher education. Presents a three-level model of professional preparation that emphasizes the development of knowledge, skills, and attitudes, performance in simulated or…

Presents an activity that enables students to learn how to read a fertilizer label, to understand the components of fertilizers, and to compare natural and man-made fertilizers. Includes background information and student worksheets. (DDR)

Presents a science activity that enables students to carefully examine the root system of a plant and to understand that roots-specifically root hairs-are needed so that water and nutrients can be absorbed. Includes student data sheet and extension activities. (DDR)

Describes the Integrated Learning System. This system was developed by the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy for decision making about curriculum, instruction, and student assessment consistent with the overarching goal of nurturing understanding through integrative ways of knowing. Discusses the impact of the system on student achievement…

A Nebraska high school implemented interdisciplinary teaming several years ago as a direct result of its strategic planning effort. It eventually rejected the intensified block schedule, which manipulated time without changing teacher roles, and adopted a flexible block schedule. Departments were replaced by interdisciplinary teams of teachers and…

Local interdisciplinary teams from universities in the District of Columbia, Cleveland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina participated in a national project that involved nursing, medicine, and health administration students in experiential learning and continuous improvement in health care settings. (SK)