Although research has confirmed block scheduling's nonacademic benefits, effects on academic achievement are mixed. Teachers do not always replace lecturing with more effective participatory teaching methods. To work best under an intensive or alternating block schedule, schools should adapt the math curriculum to reduce course redundancy and…

Discusses problems in education, and examines problems of computer usage. Explores how computers could lead to improvements in education with individualized learning, interactive software, computer-based courses, language-based interfaces, and distance learning. (PEN)

Describes a course taught at the University of Zagreb (Yugoslavia) on electronic learning methods based upon computer-assisted learning techniques. The course content is outlined, including lectures, workshops, videotapes, demonstration software, and courseware authoring; a multimedia teaching laboratory is described; and an evaluation of course…

Compares the effect of a chemistry computer simulation, written by the author, with the effect of an instructor demonstration. The study indicates that in this particular situation the operation of a spectrophotometer can be effectively taught by computer simulation method. The program is written using HyperTalk, the HyperCard programming…

This article discusses various definitions of teaching, arguing that teaching takes many forms and is conducted at numerous levels. It outlines a continuum of nine forms, with the teacher as disseminator/transmitter, lecturer/dramatist, inducer/persuader, inquirer/catalyst, dialogist, facilitator/guide, witness/abiding presence, learner, or…

A procedure that allows college faculty to obtain rapid student assessment of lecturing performance is described. A computer program facilitates application of the resulting data for self-evaluation, job applications, promotions, and group discussion. The questionnaire's simplicity and ease of processing have been well received by faculty and…

Discusses the goals and purposes of history instruction as reported in a survey of historians. Presents and discusses four goals for history instruction in a private college's history department. Asserts that the use of collaborative groups and discussion is preferable to the lecture method. (CFR)

Describes a study of undergraduates studying genetics that compared the effectiveness of a computer simulation used before and after formal instruction. Treatment of the experimental and control groups is explained, and results are reported which support the theory that the effectiveness of the simulation is dependent on the sequence of…

Reports the results of five contrasts between small-group learning and a more teacher-centered instructional style employed in junior high, high school, and college mathematics classes. In no case did the small-group class perform more poorly than the one led by a teacher; in one case, measuring long-term retention, the small-group class performed…

Reports survey results of 126 students enrolled in first- or second-year biology courses concerning the effectiveness of different teaching methods within the lecture format. Indicates that the traditional, didactic lecture, although perceived as least effective, was regarded as highly effective when enhanced by active student involvement.…

Describes humorous presentations to heighten adults' awareness of their dependence on printed materials in contrast to children's high level of comfort with electronic media, and the changes in information delivery that are already in place. (KRN)

Examines how reading ability relates to course performance in an introductory developmental psychology course. Compares personalized system of instruction (PSI) to contingency managed lecture (CML) sections. Shows previous academic performance best predicted final examination scores for CML students while reading comprehension best predicted PSI…

A national survey of 82 medical schools concerning curriculum and instruction on homosexuality found mean instruction time of 3 hours 26 minutes, with significant geographic variation. The most common strategy was lectures in human sexuality, followed distantly by panel presentations and interaction with gays and lesbians. Integration of the topic…

Examines whether class size in the introductory-level economics course affects subsequent performance in intermediate-level economics courses. Studies University of Massachusetts (Boston) students who are allowed to choose large or small lecture classes. Finds that students enrolled in large sections received lower grades in subsequent…

Presents the ozone depletion story as an excellent case study for the integration of science-related social issues into the college science curriculum. Describes the history of ozone depletion and efforts to remedy the problem. Provides a lecture outline on ozone depletion. Discusses integrating other science-related interdisciplinary topics in…