Presented are studies which confirm the idea that factors related to the format, the order of items presented, and the presentation style can affect the impact of information and student recall. Discussed are dynamic presentations, enumerated items, impact and timing, pairing of items, data summaries, and information load. (CW)

Presents a seven-step strategy to help teachers improve feedback effectiveness and provide more individual attention in large classes. The strategy considers the learner, the skill being practiced, and environmental factors. The teacher must observe performance, analyze the action and/or outcome of the response, and communicate directly with the…

Introductory biology courses for majors are often quite large. The use of peer graders can help instructors use essay exams in large classes without being overwhelmed and still treating students fairly. Describes the procedure used for peer evaluation and explains the advantages for both faculty and students. (Author/PVD)

A study evaluated use of Conceptests in a large pharmacy lecture course. Multiple-choice questions test students' ability to apply a concept presented in lecture to a situation not yet encountered. Students are presented with two or three Conceptests during each lecture, and must reevaluate responses after 15 minutes of additional lecture.…

The only English teacher at the School of Medicine in Belgrade discusses the use of student assistants to help solve the problem of teaching very large classes of students. Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using student assistants. (Author/VWL)

Large undergraduate classes are a challenge to manage, to engage, and to assess, yet such formidable classes can flourish when student participation is facilitated. One method of generating authentic student involvement is implementation of quality circles by means of a Student Feedback Committee (SFC), which is a volunteer problem-solving and…

Noting the importance of including parents in school change, this descriptive study investigates parents' beliefs about teaching and learning high school English. Twenty-five parents of high school students enrolled in an untracked interdisciplinary English course were interviewed. Participants were shown photographs of different classrooms and…

An individualized approach to second language reading instruction in a large class is described. First, characteristics of the large class as a teaching and learning environment are examined, and the instructional advantages of individualizing assignments are noted. Two forms of reading materials used with first-year college students are then…

This manual is designed to aid teachers and those who work with teachers in developing classroom techniques and learning activities that make use of microcomputers and computer-assisted instruction. The first chapter describes the evolution of ideas and the development of a philosophy for computer use in the classroom. The second chapter offers a…

An approach to writing for high school and college students is presented in this brief article. AUTHOR'S COMMENT (excerpt): The science fiction course I teach is an elective that enrolls about fifty students per class. Ninety percent or more of the students are not English majors and have done little writing in the recent past. Assigning frequent…

The large section approach to speech communication instruction can be viewed as an opportunity rather than a detriment to effective communication education. Instructional strategies should be considered and applied appropriately to this ever-increasing instructional format. A number of principles may be generated which will lead to effectiveness…

Three conclusions were drawn about within-class grouping after reviewing the work of several researchers on the following topics: teacher and student behavior, academic achievement, perceptions about reading groups, social class membership and reading group assignment, and the role of group cohesiveness. The conclusions were that: (1) although the…

High quality instruction can be achieved in a foreign language classroom even though the class may be large by traditional standards, with as many as 60 students. Attitudes, class structure, classroom activities, and the teacher's role all play a part in this process in such classes. A positive attitude and enthusiasm on the teacher's part are…

THERE IS A DICHOTOMY WHICH EXISTS IN EDUCATION AND--IN PARTICULAR, IN THE DOMAIN OF MUSIC LEARNING--IN THE ASSUMPTION THAT INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES IN LEARNING ARE MET IN A LARGE GROUP-INSTRUCTION PROGRAM. THE MAIN OBJECTIVE IN THE RESEARCH WAS TO TEST AND TO EVALUATE A CLINICAL TYPE OF INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM BASED ON INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES IN SUCH A…

This report describes the implementation of a large-scale program at Brigham Young University to provide for at least one microteaching experience for each of 730 students enrolled in a beginning education course. A definition of microteaching (the creation of a miniature teaching situation under controlled conditions) and the elements which make…