Compares two models for design--systems and user-centered--each of which embodies different values. Argues that models of technology design can be applied to the development of Web-based courses and that various forms of user-centered design embody the values most compatible with writing instruction. Presents strategies for adopting a…

Discusses the two major forms of curriculum design in Australian medical schools: the innovative approach and the traditional approach. The innovative medical school has a problem-based, student-centered community orientation and has been the curriculum of choice in the newer medical schools for meeting future challenges in medical education. The…

Presents the first of three invited keynote lectures from the 1995 conference of the New England Association of Chemistry Teachers. Discusses the relevance of the history of chemistry to the teaching of chemistry. Contains 27 references. (DDR)

Focuses on the history of the organization of chemical principles in chemistry textbooks. Describes a higher-order organizing principle, based in chemical logic and understanding, from which topics and order of presentation are derived. Provides an example of a biochemistry curriculum developed using this organizing principle. (DDR)

Focuses on the effects of the lack of coordination in the teaching of introductory subjects in chemistry, biology, and physics. Argues that some of the more interesting topics in these fields lie on the border with another field. For example, biochemistry topics may be more interesting to students than chemistry or biology topics. (DDR)

Presents a letter written in response to a videotape presented to a teacher by a student; the videotape denounced evolution on religious grounds. The letter explains some of the biases of the video to the class and the importance of learning about an issue before taking a stand against it. (PVD)

Describes a one-credit, theme-based library instruction course for freshmen and sophomores at Fort Lewis College (Durango, Colorado). Discusses benefits of theme-based instruction; assigned work; skills students should acquire during the course; course assessment and development; and future changes in the course. (AEF)

Describes their essential components of learning objects (any element that might be contained inside a course) and gives a theoretical perspective. Discusses learning objects as they are developed and used in distance education. "A Middle Eastern Perspective" (Shata); " A Chinese Perspective" (Lin); and "A Perspective from…

Describes a classroom exercise, based on the "Titanic" sinking, from an undergraduate experimental psychology course. The exercise demonstrates the subjectivity and complexity that accompanies generalizing psychological knowledge to different historical eras. Includes instructions for using the exercise and the results from a student…

Discusses a way to enhance the teaching of critical social analyses with explicit attention to experiential and somatic learning modalities. Indicates main learning objectives adapted from a course called "Power, Conflict, and Change in Social Interaction: What's a Body to Do?" Concludes with discussion of several exercises. (CMK)

Used data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress to summarize trends in civics education and achievement over a 10-year period. Compares 1988 and 1998 data on students' civics knowledge, classroom coverage of civics topics, and classroom instructional activities. (Author/SLD)

Discusses the role of antiracist praxis in teaching and learning. Focuses on the experiences and reflections of the participants of the course "Racism and Intellectuals." Addresses the "beloved community," a community of equals with a shared vision, and the student organization PEACE: Promoting Equality and Community Everywhere. (CMK)

Cites anecdotal and research examples indicating that content knowledge, especially in history, is undervalued in schools of education, teacher selection and assignment, and staff development. States that as long as theory is valued over subject matter, the situation will not change. (SK)

Describes the purposes and structure of an undergraduate course for sophomore-level students called "Your Family in History" that takes an anthropological approach to studying family history. States that the course encourages students to do ethnographic research on a dimension of their own family culture. Includes an abbreviated course syllabus.…

Explains the interest of sociologists in feature-length film analysis. Discusses the problems with using films in sociology courses. Describes two analytic devices to help students interpret films. Presents a teaching strategy that groups films to convey certain sociological theories. Appends a schedule of films and readings. (CMK)