What If the University Took Learning Seriously?: Selected Papers from the Annual Conference on Non-Traditional and Interdisciplinary Programs (8th, Virginia Beach, Virginia, May 14-16, 1990).

Alternative approaches to learning are the subject of these approximately 50 papers on non-traditional and interdisciplinary programs in higher education. The first set of papers addresses adult learning, including possible teaching and learning strategies, and ways to develop faculty and student performance through college fairs for adults, adult developmental psychology, educational planning, competition versus collaboration, and discourse analysis. The next group of papers describe alternative delivery systems such as various computer based methods, videotaped programs, and televised instruction. Assessment of prior learning and program assessment is considered in six papers which look at assessment methods, 2-year and 4-year college cooperation, and work autobiographies. Consortial, cooperative and collaborative programs are the subject of several papers which describe corporate-university partnerships, an interdisciplinary approach for soldiers and sailors, how to link the needs of industry and business with the educational approach, and developing effective communication for non-native employees. Four papers address philosophical issues in non-traditional and interdisciplinary education. The next five papers treat the recruitment and retention of special students and faculty through marketing, service management, commitment and other approaches. The following section includes eleven papers each of which describes special non-traditional or interdisciplinary courses. In the last group twelve papers describe special programs. (JB)