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I Academicians have been arguing for decades about whether or not faculty research supports undergraduate instruction. Those who say it does—a group that includes most administrators and faculty members—cite many ways in which research can enrich teaching, while those on the other side cite numerous studies that have consistently failed to show a measurable linkage between the two activities. This article proposes that the two sides are debating different propositions: whether research can support teaching in principle and whether it has been shown to do so in practice. The article reviews the literature on the current state of the research- teaching nexus and then examines three specific strategies for integrating teaching and scholarship: bringing research into the classroom, involving undergraduates in research projects, and broadening the definition of scholarship beyond frontier disciplinary research. Finally, ways are suggested to better realize the potential synergies between faculty research and undergraduate education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of its program assessment activities, the Southeastern University and College Coalition for Engineering Education (SUCCEED) conducted a faculty survey of teaching practices, involvement in faculty development programs, and perceptions of the importance of teaching in the faculty reward system. The survey was first administered late in 1997 and a modified version was administered late in 1999. This paper summarizes results from the 1999 survey that address the two questions: (1) to what extent do engineering faculty write instructional objectives and use active and team-based learning?; and (2) how effective are faculty development programs at changing professors' teaching practices? The results indicate that well over half of the 1999 respondents were using the stated teaching methods, with most attributing their use of the methods to their participation in teaching workshops and seminars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents questions and answers related to teaching, including the amount of time for teaching preparation, integrating course handouts and class activities with PowerPoint slides, and how to maintain both structure and variety.

The article presents tips on encouraging students to read their lessons before class. It states that assignments can be effective if these involve multimedia tutorials. According to the author, such resources can equip students and encourage students to come to class ready with the tasks assigned to them by instructors.

The article discusses the top four mistakes college teachers are guilty of making. According to the author, professors commonly give exams that are too long. It is suggested that they should give tests that test the knowledge and skills mastery of a student rather than long tests that test a student's speed. Also included in the list of mistakes are keeping outdated courses, having unclear learning objectives and disrespecting students. Suggestions to correct the mistakes are also presented.

The authors present their views on the myths, facts and good practices involved in student ratings of teaching in educational institutions in the U.S. They opine that myths about student ratings of teaching are usually accompanied by confident assurances that ratings are just popularity contests. They refute the notion that student ratings are not valid assessment of teaching quality.

The article focuses on approaches to preparing for and teaching a new course. It describes the usual approach to a new course preparation, including attempting to cover everything known about the topic in lectures. Also suggested are alternatives to the usual way, one of which is through writing detailed learning objectives.

Presents a summary of the report `Navigating the Bumpy Road to Student-Centered Instruction,' by Richard M. Felder and Rebecca Brent published in the Spring 1996 issue of the periodical `College Teaching.'