Choice Review

Donald interviews academic leaders from four universities with the intention of identifying practices and policies that can be used by schools to improve the learning environment. A well-articulated first chapter, "Frameworks for Improving Learning," introduces the remaining eight chapters, which cover important areas of concern for colleges and universities. The four characteristics of academic tasks that motivate learning--choice, challenge, control, and collaboration--are described at both micro- and macrolevels. The book's major strength is its description of how higher education can use benchmarks to create a high quality learning environment; these benchmarks are identified at the end of each chapter. This excellent manual explains not only how but why educators should improve the learning environment at the higher education level. If the academic community treats Donald's recommendations seriously, the educational outcomes of students as well as the learning environment will surely improve. This research is within the same conceptual frame as Robert Blackburn and Janet Lawrence's Faculty at Work (CH, Feb'96). All levels. J. F. Biter; St. Bonaventure University