Describes the development of an instructional model encouraging collaborative learning in graduate business education. The approach evolved from a survey of professionals concerning the interpersonal and individual skills needed for effectiveness in graduate school, the job market, and society, and resulted in a revised curriculum. (MSE)

This report explores electronic conferences as a medium in which community can develop among graduate students. Highlights include research in distance education, research in computer-mediated communication, learning outcomes, reflective thinking, community, professional socialization, and differences between individuals who posted entries to the…

A survey of 88 graduate schools investigated the nature of the administrative process for selecting graduate students, factors considered in examining applications for admission, and attention given to prospective students' preparation in their chosen graduate field. Results are summarized, and implications for graduate schools are discussed.…

Examines the evolution of American higher education institutions, looking back 50 years [in 1933] to the late 19th century and looking forward 50 years to examine the status of liberal and professional education in the 1980s. Traces the development of professional schools, the nature of undergraduate education, changes in graduate education, and…

A case study of an online masters course in public finance administration, conducted primarily through texts and electronic bulletin boards with no face-to-face contact, found advantages (time and space independence) and disadvantages (lack of interaction with instructors) for both faculty and students. Although student grades equaled those in…

Examines the academic and social needs of the increasing numbers of full-time postgraduate students. Analysis of a survey of 636 full-time postgraduates at the University of Newcastle (England) identifies distinct sub-groups of postgraduates. Notes respondents' desires for separate facilities and more favorable treatment than the rest of the…

A self-evaluation of communication skills was administered to approximately 500 optometry students before, during, and after a curriculum intervention to enhance these skills. Findings indicated that the intervention had a modest impact that was differential over the skill categories (interpersonal skills, patient care, interdisciplinary skills,…

Explored the perspectives of graduate students (n=18) toward their learning in a course in higher and continuing education which used three collaborative groups in a problem-based instructional approach. Identified a core theme, ownership of knowledge, and three embedded subthemes: (1) group dynamics, (2) tutor feedback, and (3) metacognitive…

Compared classroom problems of novice elementary teachers who had completed either traditional 4-year baccalaureate or 1-year graduate-level preparation programs. Teacher surveys indicated no substantive difference in the nature or frequency of problems encountered. The three most common problems were having adequate planning and preparation time,…

Reports a study of academic and non-academic demands as perceived by a group of Australian non- native English speaking students in the first semester of postgraduate studies. Relates relevant research to participants' responses to a questionnaire and in follow-up interviews about academic difficulties, such as the use of first language and the…

A study investigated which undergraduate institutions and institution types graduate the largest proportion of successful women (defined by achievement of a doctoral degree or mention in who's who publications) from different ethnic/racial groups, and the institutional factors associated with this success. School characteristics and the top 10…

The motivations of African Americans with regard to precollege teaching as a career are examined through case studies of a male and a female who were considering pursuing secondary certification at the graduate level but decided instead to pursue doctorates to teach at the college level. (MAK)

Graduate programs designed to prepare students for college teaching are a relatively new phenomenon, and little is known about their impact. However, enough is known to issue two challenges to traditional forms of graduate preparation: (1) all prospective college teachers should have access to such a program; and (2) all departments offering…

Describes an experimental distance-education course aimed at both health care professionals and other librarians and graduate students, offered as continuing education and graduate education. Three modalities for delivering instruction are explained: satellite broadcast, an Internet-based portion, and an intensive seminar. Course evaluations are…

Descriptive text and numerous tables provide information on higher education degrees awarded to minority students in 1999-2000. Data are provided on masters, doctoral, and first professional degrees for minorities in 1999-2000 by gender, state, race/ethnicity, school type, individual school, and major. Data for previous years are provided for…