Discusses the experiential activities that are used in a graduate course on qualitative research that addresses focus groups, observation, data collection, cultural sensitivity, ethnomethodology, data analysis, and morals and ethics in research. Explains that students participate in an activity in which they defend qualitative research. (CMK)

Discusses a University of Arizona History and Philosophy in Art Education course and its use of distance education. Focuses on conversational learning, describing the two forms of student interaction and the use of reflection on the distance education experience. Provides some topics to consider when using distance learning. (CMK)

Makes the case for analysis, reflection, and debate about doctoral education in composition and rhetoric at this historical moment. Maintains that the number of established graduate programs in composition and rhetoric calls for a pause for critical reflection. (TB)

Discusses the elimination of the graduate art therapy program at Buffalo State College and its impact on the art therapy faculty. Focuses on surviving such an event while retaining status as a member of an art education department. (JPS)

Explores how internship learning differs from classroom learning, using a theoretical framework of legitimate peripheral participation and a sample of 36 students enrolled in a Connecticut administrator-preparation program. Both mentors and interns felt the internship was an invaluable, "real" experience. Five themes emerged:…

Describes the development of a graduate education technology course at the University of Massachusetts based on a service-learning model in which the goal was to apply academic theory to the practical requirements of a resource-strapped school district by assigning advanced graduate students to address educational technology needs. (Author/LRW)

This column, describing resources made available by the ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education, offers information briefs on planning conferences and meetings accessible to individuals with disabilities, discovering gifted students' interests and talents through summer experiences, books about children with disabilities, and…

Studies the ways in which three graduate students applied theoretical and pedagogical tools in a collaborative independent study course. Concludes that the students' use of research tools was more consistent with the teacher's understanding of profitable uses than was their appropriation of the conceptual tools advanced in the course readings. (TB)

Examines the challenges facing new assistant professors in general and language program directors (LPDs) in particular, offering the perspective of two individuals who made the leap from graduate student to LPD, outlining the most significant and universal issues facing new LPDs, and providing insight into balancing the demands of the position…

Although the first doctoral program in women's studies was established in 1969, it wasn't until the 1990s that mainstream institutions began creating such programs. Since then, a number of universities have developed both programs and separate departments. Some scholars worry that choosing such a nontraditional field will limit students' career…

Discusses computer programs for textual research in literature and describes a graduate course on computing for the humanities that was developed at Dakota State University that used the World Wide Web and included students from throughout the world. Assignments for the course are described and benefits of textual analysis are discussed. (LRW)

A questionnaire to Ph.D. examiners across disciplines explored criteria appropriate for evaluating practice-based doctoral dissertations, in particular by collecting a core vocabulary of terms. Negative criteria included the lack of: intellectual grasp, coherence, engagement with the literature, originality, and generalizability, along with…

This study researched the process of collaborative learning that occurred when Master of Business Administration students used computer-mediated communication as a means of small group and large group communication. Discusses potential for collaborative learning in distance education; group interaction; social construction of knowledge; student…

Describes efforts by a team of faculty, staff, students, and administrators at a small southwestern university to "Web-base" a graduate degree program. Identifies eight functional system components that must be addressed and aligned to promote distance learning. Discusses key issues and decisions made during development of the system in the…

In a graduate program operated by Antioch University (Ohio), students design their own courses of study and hire their own instructors, paying them out-of-pocket. The program is fully accredited. Scholars who provide education in the traditional way are questioning whether their disciplines are being enhanced or undermined by this and other…