The Integration of the Humanities and Arts with Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in Higher Education


Book Description

In the United States, broad study in an array of different disciplines â€"arts, humanities, science, mathematics, engineeringâ€" as well as an in-depth study within a special area of interest, have been defining characteristics of a higher education. But over time, in-depth study in a major discipline has come to dominate the curricula at many institutions. This evolution of the curriculum has been driven, in part, by increasing specialization in the academic disciplines. There is little doubt that disciplinary specialization has helped produce many of the achievement of the past century. Researchers in all academic disciplines have been able to delve more deeply into their areas of expertise, grappling with ever more specialized and fundamental problems. Yet today, many leaders, scholars, parents, and students are asking whether higher education has moved too far from its integrative tradition towards an approach heavily rooted in disciplinary "silos". These "silos" represent what many see as an artificial separation of academic disciplines. This study reflects a growing concern that the approach to higher education that favors disciplinary specialization is poorly calibrated to the challenges and opportunities of our time. The Integration of the Humanities and Arts with Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in Higher Education examines the evidence behind the assertion that educational programs that mutually integrate learning experiences in the humanities and arts with science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) lead to improved educational and career outcomes for undergraduate and graduate students. It explores evidence regarding the value of integrating more STEMM curricula and labs into the academic programs of students majoring in the humanities and arts and evidence regarding the value of integrating curricula and experiences in the arts and humanities into college and university STEMM education programs.







Instructional Strategies in General Education and Putting the Individuals With Disabilities Act (IDEA) Into Practice


Book Description

Diverse learners with particular needs require a specialized curriculum that will help them develop socially and intellectually. As educational technologies and theoretical approaches to learning continue to advance, so do the opportunities for exceptional children. Instructional Strategies in General Education and Putting the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) into Practice is a pivotal reference source for the latest teaching strategies for educators with special needs students. Featuring extensive coverage on relevant areas such as instructional adaptions, locomotor apparatus diseases, and intellectual disabilities, this publication is an ideal resource for school administrators, general and special education classroom teachers, and graduate-level students seeking current research on instructional strategies for educating students with disabilities.




Higher Education in Developing Countries


Book Description

Explores the current crisis in higher education in developing countries and outlines a coherent vision of future progress. Authored by a body of experts from 13 countries convened by the World Bank and UNESCO to explore the future of higher education in the developing world.




Linked Courses for General Education and Integrative Learning


Book Description

Research indicates that of the pedagogies recognized as “high impact”, learning communities – one approach to which, the linked course, is the subject of this book – lead to an increased level of student engagement in the freshman year that persists through the senior year, and improve retention. This book focuses on the learning community model that is the most flexible to implement in terms of scheduling, teacher collaboration, and design: the linked course. The faculty may teach independently or together, coordinating syllabi and assignments so that the classes complement each other, and often these courses are linked around a particular interdisciplinary theme. Creating a cohort that works together for two paired courses motivates students, while the course structure promotes integrative learning as students make connections between disciplines.This volume covers both “linked courses” in which faculty may work to coordinate syllabi and assignments, but teach most of their courses separately, as well as well as “paired courses” in which two or more courses are team taught in an integrated program in which faculty participate as learners as well as teachers. Part One, Linked Course Pedagogies, includes several case studies of specific linked courses, including a study skills course paired with a worldview course; a community college course that challenges students’ compartmentalized thinking; and a paired course whose outcomes can be directly compared to parallel stand-alone coursesPart Two, Linked Course Programs, includes a description of several institutional programs representing a variety of linked course program models. Each chapter includes information about program implementation, staffing logistics and concerns, curriculum development, pedagogical strategies, and faculty development.Part Three, Assessing Linked Courses, highlights the role of assessment in supporting, maintaining, and improving linked course programs by sharing assessment models and describing how faculty and administrators have used particular assessment practices in order to improve their linked course programs.




Integrated General Education


Book Description

General education has been an essential part of American higher education for a long time. Unfortunately, it is often seen as something to "get out of the way" so that the student can go on to take the more "important" courses within a chosen major. This volume changes that perception. Topics discussed include: Integrated General Education: A Brief Look Back Why are Outcomes So Difficult to Achieve? Making General Education Matter: Structures and Strategies Unifying the Undergraduate Curriculum Through Inquiry-Guided Learning University of the Pacific's Bookend Seminars on a Good Society Core Curriculum Revision at TCU: How Faculty Created and Are Maintaining the TCU Core Curriculum Creating an Integrative General Education: The Bates Experience Building an Integrated Student Learning Outcomes Assessment for General Education: Three Case Studies Meaningful General Education Assessment That is Integrated and Transformative Institutions of higher education have a responsibility to develop a meaningful general education curriculum that cultivates qualities of thinking, communication, and problem solving (to name a few of the general education goals that many institutions share). What is missing from many institutions, though, is the concept of integrating general education with the overall educational curriculum. If this is done, general education courses are no longer something to take quickly so they can be checked off; instead; they become part of the educational development of the student. This integration benefits the student, certainly, but also the larger society--baccalaureate graduates steeped in the liberal arts will become future leaders. Having been prepared with a broad knowledge base, our current students will be able to think more critically and make good use of information to solve problems that have not yet even been identified. This is the 121st volume of the Jossey-Bass higher education quarterly report series New Directions for Teaching and Learning, which offers a comprehensive range of ideas and techniques for improving college teaching based on the experience of seasoned instructors and the latest findings of educational and psychological researchers.




What Works for Special Education and At-Risk Learners


Book Description

Children with and without disabilities are increasingly more challenging in schools. Current legislation has increased accountability for the education of all children which has forced schools across the nation to redesign instruction for all children regardless of educational placement. "What Works in Special Education and for At-risk Learners" focuses on the implementation of general education initiatives in programs and schools serving all students including those with mild to severe disabilities. The book will provide strategies for improving the educational environment. The book will also look at issues that impact all levels of the school system emphasizing that in order to make effective changes the vision and goal setting must begin with the Superintendent and extend to the building administrator, the classroom teacher, the student and parent.What Works in Special Education offers a critical look at the current educational system and its impact on students while offering specific strategies for Administrators to change the school climate in order to effectively teach all children. This book provides a framework, procedures and specific tools for assessing and implementing systems and strategies at all levels (from Central Office to the Classroom) in order to ensure that all children general grow and learn. These strategies can be used by general and special education administrators based on a district or a school's need to change the environment in order to increase positive student outcomes for all children regardless of abilities or disabilities. Tools and strategies are provided to cover topics including 1) Creating effective teams using strategies that increase communication, 2) Building leadership capacity among staff members 3) Developing, implementing, monitoring viable curriculum 4) Assessing engaged learning in special education classrooms and 5) Assessing school and teacher level factors for quality of implementation. The primary focus of the book is to assist administrators at all levels of a school system in implementing general education initiatives such as RTI/PBIS, general education curriculum and other strategies in order to include and not exclude students with disabilities or at-risk learners.




Self-Determination


Book Description

"There is not available a more comprehensive book in the area of self-determination." —Melinda Pierson, Department of Special Education California State University, Fullerton "Unique because it provides direction for teaching and supporting self-determined behavior across all age groups and also within the general education classroom and curricula." —Marianne Mooney, Senior Research Associate TransCen, Inc., Post-Secondary Learning and Careers Give students with disabilities powerful tools for success in school and in life! Michael Wehmeyer and Sharon Field present research-proven instructional strategies that empower special needs students at all grade levels to make their own decisions. Self-Determination offers detailed and current practitioner-oriented approaches in combination with extensive teacher reproducibles—all within the context of inclusion, standards-based reform, and access to the general curriculum. Linked to the IDEA requirement for individualized transition plans, this user-friendly resource assists practitioners in teaching the skills necessary for making decisions about employment, job skills, further schooling, and independent living. Educators will discover how to: Encourage students to become their own advocates by practicing assertive behavior Use needs-assessment techniques to determine the level of instruction required for each student Teach effective choice making, problem solving, and goal setting Support both families and fellow educators in their efforts to teach self-determination skills Special education teachers, general educators, and administrators will find this handbook an invaluable guide for helping students establish their own goals and plan for a strong and healthy future!