Learning Resources

Abstract: Book Review: Moral Values and Higher Education, edited by Dennis Thompson State University of New York Press, 1991. 171 pages.

Abstract: Book review: Technology in the Garden: Reseach Parks and Regional Economic Development, by Micheal Luger and Harvey Goldstein. University of North Carolina Press, 1991. 242 pages.

Abstract: Book Review: Ending Mandatory Retirement in Higher Education, by the Commitee on Mandatory Retirement in Higher Education. National Academy Press, 1991. 149 pages.

Abstract: Book review: Ed School Follies: The Miseducation of America's Teachers, by Rita Kramer. The Free Press, 1991. 228 pages.

Abstract: Viewpoint Subtitles: The end of a love affair; The new mood about higher education. Pull quotes: "America's leading universities can no longer be trusted." "An urgent task is the rebuilding of academic morale." "Administrators have often allowed their budgets to race in wild directions."

Abstract: Book review: How Adminstrators Can Improve Teaching, by Peter Seldin and Associates. Jossey-Bass, 1990. 219 pages.

Abstract: Historically, college and university classrooms have consisted of little more than a blackboard and antiquated seats. Many classrooms were constructed over 30-70 years ago with minor alterations. Over the next decade, modernizing of lecture, seminar, and classrooms is essential. They will then be more conducive to learning. A seven step strategy to modernize institutional classrooms exists. 1) Conduct a physical survey and inventory of all the teaching spaces. This includes room dimensions, furniture, room arangement, lighting, ventilation, and audiovisual equipment. 2) Conduct a utilization study. This measures whether classrooms are used to their full capacities. 3) Interview faculty and students to determine preferences. Professors and students now prefer to be closer to each other to promote exchanges. 4) Develop criteria for design including A. Physical Considerations; B. Environmental Factors; C. Furniture; and D. Audiovisual Equipment. Additionally, each category of design criteria should follow the four design requirements of function, focus, flexibility, and aesthetics. 5) Calculate estimates of renovation costs for each room. Planners must have specific architectural plans and rough estimates before renovation begins. 6) Start a program of renovation. A financially feasible renovation schedule should be followed--the rooms in the worst shape are scheduled first, with construction on two to five rooms a year over 5-10 years. 7) Once the renovation schedule begins, monitor the direction of the university to determine changes in classroom needs. The design and renovation of institutional classrooms are necessary to attract highly qualified faculty and students. Classrooms exhibiting a warm, attractive, and modern atmosphere enhance the learning enviroment.

Abstract: Book review: Strategic Analysis: Using Comparative Data to Understand You Institution, by Barbara Taylor, Joel Meyerson, Louis Morrell and Dabney Park, Jr. Association of Governing Boards, 1991. 217 pages.