"Teaching Sociology" recently published several articles dealing with the use of computer-assisted pedagogical techniques. Many authors assess the effectiveness of specific computer-assisted instruction (CAI) forms by examining either student performance or student course evaluation. Typically one group uses some form of CAI while the other does…

In this paper, we explore how students used two resources, the in-class lecture and the online newsgroup, to write computer programs. By focusing on the questions students asked in each setting, we compare these two learning environments. Questions students asked during lecture typically related to the material the instructor was presenting. In…

The present study investigated the impact of making lecture outlines available on-line via Blackboard 5 on exam performance of students enrolled in introductory psychology. Performance of students in a class with access to information on Blackboard was compared to that of students in a class without such access. These classes were held in…

This paper describes the development and evaluation of a blended learning resource in the biosciences, created by combining online learning with formal face-face lectures and supported by formative assessments. In order to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of teaching large classes with mixed student cohorts, teaching was delivered through…

Our main goal in this study was to explore whether the use of models in molecular genetics instruction in high school can contribute to students' understanding of concepts and processes in genetics. Three comparable groups of 11th and 12th graders participated: The control group (116 students) was taught in the traditional lecture format, while…

"Active learning" where students are required to do something in the classroom rather than simply listen to a lecture has been repeatedly shown to be superior to the lecture method in advancing student learning. The use of case studies in the classroom is one of the most successful active learning methods of teaching science, technology,…

This research tested the hypothesis that students' erroneous mental models about groundwater will change towards more valid concepts if they are taught on the basis of a mental model-building strategy that focuses on the clarification of students' misconceptions. To examine the hypothesis a quasi-experimental research design was chosen. The…

This volume offers practical suggestions to teachers on how to improve teaching methods at the higher education level. Suggestions span various types of teaching tasks and settings. Chapter 1 is on teaching in large groups and includes lecture preparation, what to do when things go wrong, evaluating a lecture, and related topics. Chapter 2…

This study sought to determine what a group of first-year English as a Second Language (ESL) university students learned from a series of lectures in English, how the students learned what they appeared to learn, and what features of the lecturer's presentation most affected the learning of the students. Twelve international ESL business students…

The present study drew on existing theories and research to further uncover the mysteries of the college teaching/learning paradigm, particularly the causal links between effective instruction and student learning of novel lecture material. The experimental design involved 380 introductory psychology students and consisted of a Lecture…

The purpose of these documents is to provide educators in Saskatchewan with practical and relevant guides to teaching and learning as a means of expanding or refining teaching repertoires. The topic of this booklet is effective lecturing, described as a blend of three types of lectures: interactive (engaging student thinking throughout the…

Virtual University of Pakistan uses hybrid model of education to impart knowledge to the knowledge seeker/students. This model has three basic components namely, physical campuses, lectures broadcast through television network and the mentoring and tutoring of students through the internet. This paper highlights in detail the working of this model…

Computer literacy has been identified as one of the most important factors for the effective use of computer-based technology in the workplace. Managers need to know the most efficient methods available to teach computer skills to their employees in a short time. Such methods need to be suitable for all employees, whether academically gifted or…

This study identifies distinguishing differences in lecture delivery styles of lecturers rated by students in a large multi-instructor course: the Introduction to Clinical Medicine Course (ICM). The 20 lowest- and highest-rated lecturers of the 1982 and 1983 ICM courses served as the target group. Non-student raters observing the 1984 lectures…

Five articles on higher education in Australia and New Zealand are presented, along with two review articles. "Australian Higher Education Research and Society. Part I: Post-War Reconstruction and Expansion, 1940-1965" (D. S. Anderson and E. Eton) is a review of research on higher education in Australia and New Zealand since World War…