Thirty college students--two sets from each of two freshman writing courses--wrote a total of 120 essays on four assigned topics in a study to measure the effectiveness of large group instruction augmented by multimedia presentations as compared to small group instruction with traditional media presentations. Sixty of the essays were read by four…

Faculty have designed alternative ways to hear from their students. The use of a box for comments and questions at the back of a University of Vermont chemistry class and an online computer conference to enhance writing classes at the University of Michigan are described. (MLW)

Recent emphasis placed on the cost effectiveness of larger colleges and larger classes is criticized from the point of view that student involvement is more valuable but is difficult to achieve under such circumstances. (MSE)

Alternatives to traditional, large-class lecturing are discussed. They include using canned lectures, demonstrations and lecture experiments, computer simulations, problem-solving strategies, breaks during lectures, and movies. Moving out of large classrooms to laboratories and resource rooms (or giving an examination) is also suggested. (JN)

This review of research on college teaching suggests that innovations involving active student participation in discussion, problem solving, application, or teaching are likely to be effective. (Author)

Contract teaching is a method in which the student studies a particular course, independent of formal day-to-day instruction, by contracting to do a particular piece of work in the course of a semester. (Author/MB)

Three beliefs college faculty have about teaching large classes, and five challenges associated with teaching them, are discussed. A survey of 126 college students concerning what enhances or detracts from learning in large classes is then reported. Discrepancies between teacher beliefs and student experience are examined, and recommendations for…

Describes reform efforts in science education at Northern Arizona University that emphasize active, inquiry-based learning in introductory biology classes. Recommends the use of a number of strategies to involve large classes in thinking about and doing science. Contains 20 references. (DDR)

Describes the Macintosh CD-ROM edition of "Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary" and discusses advantages and disadvantages of using the electronic dictionary in library media skills instruction. Use in large group instruction is discussed and advantages are highlighted, including the large print feature, sound feature, and ability…

Describes simulation software that was used with an LCD overhead display and laptop computers for large introductory psychology courses. The use of experiment simulators to increase student interest and activity is discussed, hardware is explained, and interaction between students, instructor, and the simulation is described. (14 references) (LRW)

Reviews studies concerned with perceptual learning styles and provides a research basis for an experimental procedure which allows students to be introduced to new information through their strongest modality, to have that information reinforced through multisensory assignments, and to internalize the information through application in a creative…

Describes ability and achievement grouping, as well as grouping in pairs and small and large groups. Notes that each type of grouping will have skeptics and opponents, and provides arguments to support each type of grouping and to answer critics who may challenge each type (or all forms) of grouping. (TM)

Describes the use of voicemail for a large class in general chemistry at McGill University (Canada) that used the Monomedium instruction system. Discusses what information is provided, the design of the course material, use statistics, evaluation by students, and the professor's perceptions. (Author/LRW)