The introductory course has a variety of objectives for both students and the college, including recruitment and screening of majors, provision of prerequisite knowledge, explorations of learning, developing commitment to college, and cognitive development. Fostering these goals depends on the students, faculty, and classroom climate. (MSE)

Introductory psychology courses are often designed as technical, preprofessional courses for majors, but they should instead offer a view of human nature. A Wesleyan University course was designed on the notion of the psychological human, and covered the functions of perception and memory, cognitive processes, the social dimension of human nature,…

Teaching the large introductory science course is a challenge, but when the objective is seen not as covering the field but uncovering part of it to illustrate principles common to the whole, the facts are no longer the end result but tools with which the disciplines can be further explored. (Author/MSE)

The use of instructional materials for purposes other than those originally intended is investigated in one section of Britain's Open University, and the possible kinds of materials adaptation and modification are outlined. Implications for curriculum cost reductions are also discussed. (MSE)

A 1979 report concerning Finland's proposed internationalization of its higher education system and curricula is summarized, including conclusions about such components as peace research, education for peace, and assistance to developing nations, its relationship to various disciplines, and research efforts. (MSE)

A tendency in liberal arts to organize the disciplines into a common, core curriculum and to evangelize this common learning in a puritanical way is examined and criticized. It is recommended that the liberal education mission must not be imposed on those who do not seek it. (MSE)

This paper considers what physics can offer students, both as physics majors and in other sciences. The recent increases in the technological character of the workplace appear likely to continue, leading to increasing numbers of individuals who should learn something about science. For many of these people, understanding the character of science,…

This monograph provides college academic administrators, institutional researchers, professional and learned societies, and academic advisors with information to improve understanding of the paths students take through engineering programs in higher education. The evidence used in this study comes principally from the 11-year college transcript…

The goals of the Trans European Mobility Program for University Students (TEMPUS) project include developing curriculum and implementing language and culture training programs with a focus on German and Japanese, and training engineers who have a global perspective. This document contains an executive summary in addition to the full length report…

Students today face a daily explosion of information resources and the challenge of using these resources effectively and responsibly. Information literacy instruction (ILI) requires a shift in focus from teaching specific information resources to a set of critical thinking skills involving the use of information. ILI in an academic setting…

The intent of this discussion paper is to provide a survey of emerging trends in general education reform at institutions of higher education. Ten themes are identified: (1) rethinking the major; (2) concern with student learning beyond course content; (3) an increased emphasis on diversity; (4) the importance of technology; (5) efficiency and…

Massively parallel programming languages, like StarLogo, provide a rich environment for introducing differential equations to students with an unsophisticated mathematical background. This paper describes the basic software for stimulating and monitoring various population dynamics. Simple differential equations that describe the observed dynamics…

This manual is a guide to basic sources of funding for curriculum change projects and activities in secondary and postsecondary education. Chapter 1 emphasizes the importance of clarifying goals and defining needs. Chapter 2 provides an overview of six types of funding sources: (1) in-house funding, (2) grants from another institution as part of a…