Explores the relationship between learners' sociodemographic characteristics and their level of participation in computer conferencing. Discusses six variables: sex, age, education level, occupation, residence in urban or rural areas, and region of residence in Canada; and suggests implications for the design and facilitation of computer…

A study using 1977 and 1987 data on earnings differentials between male and female engineers found that most of the difference was not accounted for by productive characteristics such as education and experience and was therefore due to discrimination. In addition, the proportion of the earnings differential not explained by productivity has…

A survey of optometry faculty (n=263) produced a ranking of 77 optometric journals by the frequency respondents reported they read or scanned them. Data on whether the journal is refereed and included on the Medline database are also provided. Findings indicate that journals based on membership in an organization were read or scanned more often…

The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy is developing a program to assist in teaching skills instruction for pharmaceutical faculty, help faculty assess their own and peers' teaching, create criteria for determining teaching excellence, and institute a certification system for the designation Master Teacher in Pharmaceutical Education.…

Shows how gender assumptions and inequalities influence how we define the literacy problem, value literacy skills, and perceive relations between adult literacy learners and teachers. Draws on various sources to describe and critique the gendered cornerstones of literacy education, focusing on how women's literacy activities become devalued and…

Describes "authentic" problem-based learning (PBL) as a specific teaching method that addresses all the educational objectives possible with PBL: acquisition of a rich body of deeply understood knowledge; development of effective clinical problem-solving skills; and development of an insatiable curiosity and a desire for continuous learning…

Two Dartmouth Medical School (New Hampshire) medical students and their faculty sponsor collaborated to develop an elective course in women's health. Development and implementation of this course and the process by which it was later made part of the required curriculum are described. The success of the effort highlights the crucial role students…

A review of 250 faculty applicant bibliographies in 1995 from eight medical institutions representing six medical specialties investigated the legitimacy of each journal, abstract, and book citation, finding 56 misrepresented citations among 2149 verified articles, distributed among 39 applicants. Most were discrepancies in authorship order, and…

Traces trends in health care, including growth of managed care, increased consumer choice, and changes in administration and funding of academic health centers, and examines the challenges they create for teaching, research, and practice. The Oregon Health Plan and its effect on Oregon Health Sciences University are used for illustration. (MSE)

Describes the experiences of a Virginia hospitality management and culinary arts instructor's exchange visit to Northern Ireland. Offers advice for future travelers and exchange coordinators. (NB)

Argues that if the Virginia Community College System rewarded its adjuncts with a few of the opportunities that are accorded to full-time employees--such as professional development activities--adjuncts would stay loyal to their institutions, experience more job satisfaction, and provide more effective instruction. (AUTH/NB)

Discusses the productivity and work days of white collar workers. Topics include productivity improvement; task analysis; the amount of time spent reading, and how to reduce it by improving writing skills; time spent in meetings; empowered time management; and sustaining a climate for change. (LRW)

The top-down, heavy-handed "Tougher Standards" movement has taken over many schools, with full support of business groups, politicians, and many journalists. Primary opponents are classroom teachers and parents. Raising standards translates into higher scores on poorly designed tests. Best teaching builds on actively learning students. (MLH)

Overwhelmingly, today's teenagers expect to graduate from college and work as professionals. Some ambitious teens have no clear life plan to reach occupational goals. Others will not fulfill their dreams due to insufficient job openings. Parents and educators can help youngsters align ambitions with appropriate activities and coursework. (MLH)

Two conference presentations are summarized: (1) the Human Genome Project and other genetic discoveries and technologies, that offer improvements in diagnosis, disease prevention, and treatment, and that change the relationship between the academic medical center (AMC) and the pharmaceutical industry; and (2) new emphases on health-care outcomes…