Higher education is ambivalent toward faculty development. Today's faculty development programs seem to be a product of 1960s reform movements, the graying of the professoriate, and funding from outside agencies. The strongest programs have visible institutional commitment and leadership support. (MSE)

Describes North Carolina's model of community college faculty development that coordinates the improvement of curricula and instruction with professional development activities. Discusses the strategy of basing projects at individual colleges while targeting single curriculum areas statewide and lists curriculum improvement projects since 1985.…

McGill University (Canada) faculty participating in discussion groups about teaching analyzed such issues as structure of subject matter, the learning task, linking teaching methods and learning expectations, and evaluation of learning. Some collaborated on classroom research. Findings indicated that varied exposure to concept mapping resulted in…

Describes the planning of a 1992 European seminar on educational research and teacher education that was based on a successful 1991 seminar. The seminar, which involved considerable participant interaction, included case studies from 12 countries and workshops on 6 themes related to educational research and teacher education. (SM)

Argues that department chairs should be more involved in human resources development. Redefines faculty development in terms of faculty improvement in intellectual, institutional, personal, social, and pedagogical domains. Reviews three studies of department chairs' roles and responsibilities, highlighting role orientations, faculty development…

The Ford Foundation's Race Relations and Campus Diversity Program, responding to recent campus disruption over race, religion, gender, and ethnicity, helps campuses improve teaching and curricula to keep pace with changing populations on and off campus. Cultural diversity in all undergraduate courses is stressed. Program expansion is anticipated.…

The ambulatory care segment of the Southern Illinois University internal medicine clerkship provides extensive clinical exposure in a variety of settings and includes formal educational activities in seminars and workshops. Despite problems, educational quality has improved. Planned expansion includes a longitudinal experience for students.…

Discusses links between National Board of Professional Teaching Standards certification and staff development. The assessment includes on-site teacher portfolios and assessment center examinations covering subject matter and teaching ability. Recommends that school districts provide staff development to help teachers acquire knowledge and skills…

A four-year study followed teaching changes of an experienced economics professor as he participated in an informal faculty discussion group. Results are presented in three sections, each representing a different perspective: a narrative based on two interviews; a framework depicting teaching improvement as a dynamic process of conceptual and…

Explores the link between research and teaching in higher education. Topics include various perspectives on the central function of universities; models of departmental practice linking research and teaching; a deep approach to learning as a bridge between research and teaching; and implications for the education and training of academic staff.…

Discusses theory and practice in the context of peer observation. Peer Observation is widely accepted in principle as a valuable contribution to teacher development, but in practice it is often resisted.(SM)

Contends that as the movement from teaching to learning expands, the role of community-college faculty changes. Asserts that a clearly defined role for faculty may help ease this transition. Reviews learning-paradigm and learning-college literature to develop an inventory that profiles faculty members and illuminates their places in learning…

Recent Latino immigrants may not realize that their children will be asked to relinquish collectivist values in pursuit of educational achievement. Finding child-led parent-teacher conferences incompatible with Latino values, a teacher training with the "Bridging Cultures Project" developed a less-threatening group-conference format. (10…

By statutory mandate, all first-year teachers in Kentucky receive support and assistance that develop a strong, lifelong career foundation. Legislation in 1985 established a collegial team to induct new professionals and establish a culture of continuing growth for the profession. Internships with meaningful mentoring are keys to success. (MLH)

One way of supporting college instructors who wish to improve student assessment practices is to offer a framework for change that raises the public profile of assessment policy, acknowledges that there is room for improvement, and provides methodological and collegial support to help instructors formulate and address practical problems. A…