The use of standardized course syllabi and behavioral objectives requires the commitment and acceptance of faculty and administrators, but it can also help schools of optometry establish standards for evaluating students and improving instructional quality. Classroom, laboratory, and clinical instruction all lend themselves to writing clear…

Discusses the use of computers and computer-oriented instruction in the engineering programs at West Point, indicating that computers are treated as powerful tools used to enhance the learning process. A computer-aided design course and computer program categories are also described. (JN)

Describes four units in an undergraduate course that examine aging from interpersonal, intrapersonal, and mass communication perspectives. Includes readings. (PD)

Electronic music can be used to give nonmusic majors an appreciation of musical culture. As final projects, students complete compositions and make the same musical decisions that composers make. Emphasis is on understanding of the electronic medium and on aural analysis. (CS)

Describes a microscale laboratory course in which students perform many classic organic reactions using only one-hundredth to one-thousandth the amount of starting material usual in student experiments. Reduction of toxic chemicals concentration in laboratory air and savings in chemical costs and experimental time are benefits of the novel course.…

Describes an interdisciplinary approach designed to use the humanities as a source of material to exemplify chemical principles, stimulate critical thinking along scientific lines, and demonstrate to nonscience majors that chemistry is relevant to their academic experiences. A sample unit on environmental pollution, drugs, and poisons is also…

In a one-week symposium, college students learned about the social psychology of international conflict through a role-play of the Arab-Israeli conflict. The symposium also included lectures and required readings. (RM)

This simulation involves students in a critique and analysis of the social welfare response to social problems. Students are divided into welfare administrators and disadvantaged groups and asked to role play typical interactions between these two social categories of people. (Author/RM)

Lists common misconceptions about menstruation and suggests a unit on menstrual education. Activities and guidelines are presented along with unit outline. The outline consists of six major areas: definition and purpose; history; anatomy and reproduction; physiology; protection and discomfort; and related topics. (DH)

Briefly describes materials and rationale of a media law course specifically designed for students preparing for careers outside print and broadcast news. (CRH)

Reports the results of a series of long-range studies that demonstrate that participants in short courses improve their communication skills as much as students enrolled in semester-long college classes. (AEA)

States that an oral interpretation course can deepen students' understanding of literature, extend their familiarity with important works, and help them appreciate the intricacies of rhythm and tone in poetry. Outlines student assignments for an oral interpretation course in the English program. (MM)

During the Fall 1982 semester, Purdue pharmacy students elected to participate in a 24 class-hour course that stressed instruction and practical experience in geriatric pharmacy services. A major course project was the step-by-step development and presentation of an inservice educational program. (Author/MLW)

A sociologist and a writing instructor developed a college level human ecology course that stresses problem solving and written communication. The emphasis on thinking and writing skills increased student ability to identify, resolve, and communicate issues in sociology. (Author/RM)

Classroom teachers should depart from the accepted practice of placing the field trip at the end of a unit of social studies instruction and, instead, plan the field experience for the first week of activities. Reasons are discussed, and a sample unit on state government for the middle grades is described. (RM)