We propose a novel data distribution framework for developing a large Web-based course forum system. In the distributed architectural design, each forum server is fully equipped with the ability to support some course forums independently. The forum servers collaborating with each other constitute the whole forum system. Therefore, the workload of…

To meet the ever-changing needs of students in the modern world, forward-thinking educators are crossing the traditional borders of their own disciplines to work with colleagues from other fields to develop novel approaches to teaching. Examples of cross-disciplinary efforts illustrate both the creativity of their participants and the promise and…

Social work programs are one mechanism within Catholic institutions of higher education for advancing the social mission of the Church. The social work profession seeks the achievement of a just society that promotes the dignity of the human person in the context of community and social relationships. This article describes beginning efforts to…

This study examines how student learning can be enhanced by using a multi-course project that simulates an industry environment and emphasizes the interrelationship among course concepts through collaborative efforts of student teams. The role of technology as a tool in facilitating student teamwork is examined. The researchers found that students…

At the dawn of the twenty-first century, teachers have all been influenced by exponential technological growth, a market-driven culture, and test-centered education. Music teachers who want to keep their classes moving in the right direction should emphasize quality. Paying more attention to the concept of quality can help move classes in the…

Most institutions of higher education allow students to drop or add courses in the first 2-3 weeks of each term (D&A). Arguing that course cancellation is not merely an administrative issue involving enrollment trends but represents complex decision making processes taken by students, this study investigated antecedents and correlates of course…

For the past twelve years, the author has been teaching a lower division introductory historical methods course that uses active learning to introduce students to the issues and practices of historical methods, the "how to" of historical inquiry, research and writing. In her methods course, she is working to take into account the perspectives and…

The preceding two essays focus on the ongoing challenge to engage students in meaningful conversation with the course content, their reading, their instructor, and one another. The authors, Maureen Neal and Ed Jones, have read each other's essays and provided the following brief responses. This cross talk between the writers is an attempt to make…

This active learning pedagogical technique aims to improve students' learning in a two-semester, upper-division biochemistry course sequence in which the vast majority of students enrolled will continue on to medical or graduate schools. Instead of lecturing, the Instructor moves to the side of the room, thereby becoming "the guide on the side".…

Facilitating productive class discussions is one of the most challenging tasks facing college educators, especially when potentially divisive issues are discussed. The author shares ten recommendations derived from teaching a course on current and controversial managerial issues via conversational learning. Excerpts from student comments are…

The purpose of this study was to explore women students' experiences and reactions to a core Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) class cross-listed with Women's Studies (WS). Using 6 focus groups with 22 women, we found that the course increased "awareness of gender" (Theme A) but was limited partially because of patriarchical beliefs,…

It is possible to get prospective elementary school teachers to learn interesting mathematics well by not only requiring that they learn the material in a mathematics course but also requiring that they teach it as part of an enrichment program at the middle school level. This article discusses the reasons for such a course, and describes a…

This article explores the possibility of combining in the same course heritage learners who are borderline or seminative speakers with advanced language learners of Russian. After providing typology of advanced language learners in Russian and establishing that register and genre can be the focal point of such a course, the article discusses the…

Fifteen years after the "peaceful revolutions" brought about the collapse of communism and the reunification of East and West Germany, a heated debate rages over the legacy of communism and the continuing impact of 1989. This paper describes a new course that explores the contentious issues in this debate through the innovative use of…

One of the most influential presidents of the University of California, Clark Kerr, was fired in 1966 shortly after convincing the Regents to lift the ban on political demonstrations on UC campuses. Despite numerous Supreme Court decisions articulating broad protections for free speech that include public college and university campuses, the…