Describes a bibliographic instruction program for master's candidates in education that trains students to be independent information seekers using traditional print-based materials as well as ERIC on CD-ROM. The rationale for the course is discussed, and the materials and methods used in the course are described in detail. (13 references) (CLB)

Data from a survey of 2,519 master's degree social workers (MSWs) in 5 fields of practice investigated the frequency with which they performed 131 professional tasks. Results show few meaningful differences in tasks performed in diverse fields, suggesting that specialization by field of practice is less useful than supposed. An "advanced…

An Australian study investigated the structure of a master's program in education and examiners' concerns about theses, focusing on the most common criticisms. The study was based on information about 125 part-time students' theses over a 4-year period. The examiners' criticisms raised questions about the thesis supervisor's role. (MSE)

Examines the Fridays Only part-time/distance education program of the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at the University of Illinois. Provides a history of the program and a composite of a typical day for the Fridays Only student; discusses strengths and weaknesses from the perspectives of the students, faculty, and…

This article discusses a supervisory process built on three key concepts: trust, empowerment, and reflective problem solving. For these concepts to become operational, supervision must be restructured and reconceptualized. The "supervision" concept is outmoded and should be supplanted by more collegial and reflective terminology. (53…

Contends that the Commission on Graduate Education in Economics report addresses issues related to doctoral programs but does not provide information on master's degree programs. Reports on a study of 123 colleges offering master's degrees in economics. Finds a surprising lack of variation among the programs. (CFR)

A survey of 180 social work master's degree students in 1 school at the beginning and end of an academic year found that most students are still attuned to social work's traditional mission, but that graduate education does have significant influence on practice interests and self-identification with social work, particularly among beginning…

Describes the Collaborative Career Adjustment Project, a program that allows licensed teachers in rural New Mexico to continue teaching while taking weekend, summer, or distance education courses to obtain a master's degree in speech-language pathology. Includes recommendations for the recruitment and retention of rural students in communication…

A survey of 162 students in several sections of a master of social work basic research methodology and statistics course, taught by different teachers, found that student performance did not differ across instructors, undergraduate grade point average was positively correlated with performance, and an undergraduate social service major was…

Five articles describe employment sources in the library and information professions, including joblines; placements and salaries; accredited master's programs in library and information studies, listed by geographic region; library scholarship sources; and scholarship and award recipients from various professional library associations. (LRW)

Outlines work accomplished at the 1998 National Communication Association Summer Conference, presenting a model for a professional master's-degree program in public relations that integrates outcomes, assessment, curriculum, and pedagogy. Outlines program outcomes, curriculum, essential curriculum-content areas, pedagogical approaches, and…

The interdisciplinary approach of many new master's programs departs from conventional departmental divisions and opens professional opportunities for career-minded students. Some feel the trendy, tuition-driven programs enhance enrollments and produce revenue for the institution; critics question whether they offer value for money spent. However,…

This study evaluated the admissions process for a Master's in Business Administration Program using such quality improvement techniques as customer surveys, benchmarking, and gap analysis. Analysis revealed that student dissatisfaction with the admissions process may be a factor influencing declining enrollment. Cycle time and number of student…

A questionnaire completed by 85 minority students in a master's degree special education program found few minority students aspire to a doctoral degree or understand the culture and mores of academe or the requirements for tenure and promotion. Strategies for recruitment of minority students into doctoral programs and for their retention are…

Investigated stresses confronted by Portuguese secondary mathematics teachers during the first semester in a master's course, Perspectives on Mathematics Education, noting how they negatively affected teachers' self-confidence and morale and discussing fundamental issues teachers addressed in bridging the academic mathematics and mathematics…