A Dartmouth College (New Hampshire) professor comments on the value of study abroad programs, not only for students but also for faculty. Issues for the institution to consider in designing an overseas program are discussed, including academic purpose, costs, unique administrative problems, implications for tenure-track faculty, compensation…

A national survey of 140 college and university presidents concerning the design, content, and status of faculty development programs suggests that renewed institutional efforts are needed to ensure that faculty will understand the changing nature of their disciplines. Major retraining in informational and educational technology is urged, with…

Describes the development and use of a multimedia authoring laboratory and classroom resulting from collaboration between Bard College (New York) and IBM. Topics include teaching models; a campuswide network; the use of computers to store and access text, images, audio, video, and artifacts; faculty development and acceptance; and benefits of…

The evolution of a diversity education program at McGeorge School of Law (University of the Pacific, California) is chronicled and response to it is discussed. The program involved a lecture on cultural sensitivity and follow-up small-group discussion sessions involving faculty and students. While the program did not meet the expectations of all…

While doctoral degree remains standard degree of preference when hiring for industrial laboratories, trends in actual job requirements suggest doctoral degree may provide training that is too narrow, and a master's degree may be a more appropriate qualification. In physical sciences, faculty should work with industry leaders to shape curricula…

A study investigated medical school faculty and student knowledge and perceptions of group dynamics in the context of problem-based learning (PBL). Observation of 27 first-year medical students and 3 faculty in University of Toronto medical school PBL groups revealed a generally low awareness of effective group dynamics. Comprehensive medical…

Addresses one of three major challenges facing distance education--its claimed overreliance on behaviorist approaches to teaching and learning. Maintains that distance learning encourages students to review their own learning approaches and to be more proactive about their study methods. (CFR)

Maintains that the multiage primary school approach is rapidly gaining advocates across the nation. Asserts that the thematic approach used in the National Council for the Social Studies national standards provides a structure for this curriculum schema. Discusses teachers' concerns about curriculum change and strengths of the nongraded primary…

This study investigated the usefulness of three dormitory lifestyle assignments (male-only, female-only, co-ed) in promoting student participation in residence hall activities at James Madison University (Virginia). Results showed assignment to coeducational dormitories fostered more and varied student involvement than did male-only or female-only…

Middle schools are a critical element in preparing for postsecondary education. Students must be offered a challenging curriculum, moral support, and guidance that strengthens their commitment to education. Few reform efforts have consciously emphasized this role in precollege preparation. There is a need for detracking and increased emphasis on…

Presents a study conducted to determine the opinions of educational technology professionals and students about the future of the field. Topics include educational technology and learning theory, instructional design models, technology and individualized instruction, advances in technology, educational technology and schools, and employment and…

Presents the ASSURE (Analyze learners, State objectives, Select media and materials, Utilize media/materials, Require participation, Evaluate and revise) model, an approach for training professional staff on implementing technology in schools. Design and implementation of workshops for school staff are described, and a sidebar outlines a six-day…

Discusses issues in the design and assessment of classroom writing tasks assigned across the U.S. college curriculum. The article analyzes successful and unsuccessful writing across the curriculum assignments, particularly from the perspective of English-as-a-Second-Language writers, and offers suggestions to enable teachers design and assess…

Contends that band students who are taught composition techniques improve listening skills, make aesthetic decisions, and become more imaginative and creative. Presents ideas from five music teachers for incorporating composition into the music curriculum. Discusses the use of computer software in musical composition. (CFR)

Examines the limitations of traditional transfer rate indicators, suggesting that their use as measures of institutional effectiveness is inappropriate. Reviews methodologies of two national transfer rate models in terms of the importance of time frames for transfer, minimum credit hour thresholds, curriculum intent, and student intent. Recommends…