Various authors present their opinions on the changes occurring in British postgraduate education in geography. Professors and students concur that the objective of postgraduate coursework should be to contribute directly to the production of the Ph.D. thesis. A dissenting opinion argued that programs should concentrate on training for future…

The quality of the faculty, as measured by research and scholarship, is the single most important indicator of quality in doctoral education. A teaching assignment that is compatible with developing programs of research is one that includes both undergraduate and graduate courses, as well as thesis and dissertation advisement. (MLW)

Reports that record enrollments have prompted a rethinking of the nation's higher education policies. Cites several explanations for overcrowding: an increase in the number of students continuing their studies, German students take longer to complete studies, and older students are reentering the university. (RT)

Describes an intensive English for Specific Purposes (ESP) thesis-writing course. The course focuses on total discourse learning needs and uses an interactive model of needs analysis to target the learning needs of students. (Author/CB)

Examines the educational difficulties and effective learning strategies of 11 academically successful American Indian women enrolled in graduate school. Interviews revealed subjects' systematic study habits, multimodal learning strategies, preference for essay tests, strong ability to synthesize knowledge, and reflective pragmatic attitude toward…

Reports on major current research questions addressed by those in biopolitics. Notes how this research material can be introduced into graduate and undergraduate courses. Suggests introducing these materials into courses dealing with political behavior, public policy and public administration, political philosophy, international relations, and…

Describes an objective test used as the comprehensive examination in a graduate library school and discusses its advantages over essay tests. The topics covered include test construction, the use of item analysis for scoring and test revision, and student reactions to the objective test. (1 reference) (CLB)

Describes theory and principles behind biosensors that incorporate biological components as part of a sensor or probe. Projects major applications in medicine and veterinary medicine, biotechnology, food and agriculture, environmental studies, and the military. Surveys current use of biosensors. (ML)

Discusses the consequences to the nation and to Blacks of abolishing affirmative action in college and university admission policies. It examines the impact of abandoning racial preferences on school admissions, particularly as it concerns graduate and medical schools. The author argues that without the use of racial preferences far fewer Blacks…

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…

The commenting strategies were examined for three teacher educators using dialog journals in master's-level methodology and practicum courses. Four categories of responses, evaluations of quality responses, and guidelines for effective responses are presented. A sample journal exchange is included. (Contains five references.) (LB)

New York University (New York) will offer a 16-credit graduate program entirely through an interactive network that can transmit video files and other multimedia elements into students' homes over high-speed telephone lines; students will log on anytime on personal computers. Program leads to an advanced professional certificate in information…

A teacher training program has been developed at the University of North Texas, based on the identified transition needs of students with behavioral disorders and the knowledge/skills required by the educator. Participants earn a master's degree in teaching students with behavioral disorders with a specialization in transition. (Author/DB)

The conceptual and technical problems that need to be considered when studying graduate student retention and degree progress are examined, and practical suggestions for the institutional researcher are offered. Terms are defined, retention measures are explained, and different types of analysis are outlined. Ideas are given for database…

A study compared the values and personal orientation of beginning graduate students in social work (MSW) and business administration (MBA). The qualities on which MSW students outscored MBA counterparts all supported effective leadership of human service agencies. It is recommended that social work education focus more on training future managers.…