Describes a study of college women (n=20) who participated in an experimental version of an introductory physics course that used a Physics Careers Web site. (Contains 21 references.) (DDR)

Examines a capstone class at Virginia Tech that focuses on the role science and scientists play in the process of natural resource management. Connects such curricula with the development of scientific literacy. (Contains 36 references.) (DDR)

Reports research that investigates the encoding that students use to develop molecular models at the undergraduate level. Focuses on the translation between symbolic and subatomic representations of molecules. (Contains 31 references.) (DDR)

Details the use of online homework assignments designed to more actively engage students in a general education geoscience course. Concludes that students come to class better prepared and that both groups benefit from a problem-based learning approach. (Contains 17 references.) (DDR)

Examines the preparation of preservice science teachers by focusing on professional development schools, science teaching practicums, and professional development courses. Proposes an instructional sequence for university students enrolled in science teaching. (DDR)

Proposes and tests a community college classification system based on curricular characteristics and their association with institutional characteristics. Seeks readily available data correlates to represent percentage of a college's course offerings that are in the liberal arts. A simple two-category classification system using total enrollment…

Offers a personal account of how one philosophy professor was lured into the use of the new communication technologies in his teaching. (EV)

A study in one traditionally white South African university suggests that in such institutions, demographic realities, political pressures, educational necessities, and moral imperatives now work for, rather than against, a shift from a historically Eurocentric, male-dominated curriculum to an inclusive one. These universities are challenged to…

Argues that instructional problems in South African higher education are related to professional development issues for faculty and to intellectual development issues for students. Views these issues as linked to curriculum development and sees a role for developmental studies programs, previously student-focused, in faculty development and…

Describes an introductory economics course in which all of the reading material is drawn from the Great Books of Western Civilization. Explains the rationale and mechanics of the course. Includes an annotated course syllabus that details how the reading material relates to the lecture material. (RLH)

Reports the results of research that explores how scientific literacy sustains belief in pseudoscientific claims. The population of college biology students who were non-biology majors completed questionnaires which were assessed and used to plan instruction. (DDR)

The renaming of literature appreciation as cultural studies marks a rethinking of what is experienced as cultural materials, going beyond reading and writing to media, popular culture, newspapers, advertising, textbooks, and advice manuals. It also marks the movement away from the study of an object to the study of criticism. (MSE)

Describes a course which addresses the minority media coverage issue through publication of a bilingual newspaper. Points out that the program provides experience in reporting, writing, photography, and other skills, while offering the mostly White students an opportunity to learn about minorities. Argues for more programs of this type. (SG)

Discusses Allan Bloom's "The Closing of the American Mind" and its implications for higher education. Examines Bloom's analysis of historical changes that involved universities in societal pressures, thereby weakening them. Supports Bloom's mandate that universities delineate their function and measure achievement against the fundamental…

A national survey of faculty (N=2,311) teaching introductory college courses revealed 10 factors influencing course planning including: discipline-related content, student characteristics, facilities, resources, and campus support services. The strength of these influences differed substantially by discipline but only modestly by institutional…