the relationships between science and religion. In 1990,
in conjunction with Earth Day, we invited an ecologist,
a historian/ theologian, and an agricultural economist
to discuss wealth distribution and resource steward-
ship. In 1991, in conjunction with the two-hundredth
anniversary of the Bill of Rights, we plan to invite
scholars to discuss the First Amendment.

This aspect of INQUIRERE, besides being popular
and attracting citizens from the local community and
beyond, has the added element of being festive. The
guests are present on campus throughout the day and
attempts are made to acquaint them personally with
students, faculty, and administration. The visitors are
present for an informal luncheon in the Campus
Center; faculty are encouraged to invite them to
address afternoon classes; and prior to the evening
forum, participating students, faculty, and community
dignitaries are invited to a banquet honoring these
scholars. The banquet is informal and designed for the
visitors to mix with the college and community mem-
bers. A brief program introduces each scholar in a
light, personal way. Finally, after the evening forum, a
faculty reception at the Waldorf President’s residence
honors the visiting scholars, the faculty, student
scholars, and their advisors.

We have been careful to design INQUIRERE asa
positive encouragement. Student scholars are not
graded for their presentation, per se; their advisors
grade them for their independent studies. Instead of a
grade, a faculty committee constructively evaluates
their presentation. Presenters are also videotaped and
encouraged to review their presentation.

Not every sophomore is interested in or prepared
for participation in INQUIRERE, nor is independent
study/INQUIRERE intended for every sophomore.
Although INQUIRERE was designed for any moti-
vated and capable student, it is often an attraction for
the honors students. Although other students do
present at INQUIRERE, it is primarily utilized by the
Honors Program. We are careful not to equate
INQUIRERE with the Honors Program, even though
INQUIRERE currently depends almost entirely upon
the willing participation of honors students. It is
intended to attract the participation of any capable
student who has successfully completed an indepen-
dent study course and to encourage intellectual curios-
ity and growth among all students.

INQUIRERE has become one of the academic
highlights of the year. Students are beginning to plan
ahead for their independent study topics, and faculty
are beginning to ask what the next INQUIRERE theme
will be. Most important, we have begun to realize the

scholarly potential of our sophomores. They are not
yet seniors, but they are developing an attribute prized
even at the senior level—the ability to think and to
express that thinking effectively in a public setting.

Paul E. Bartelt, Chairman, Biology
For further information, contact the author at the

Department of Biology, Waldorf College, Forest City,
IA 50436.

 

Suanne D. Roueche, Editor

September 6, 1991, Vol. XIll, No. 18

©The University of Texas at Austin, 1991
Further duplication is permitted by MEMBER
institutions for their own personnel.

INNOVATION ABSTRACTS is a publication of the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD),
Department of Educational Administration, College of Education, EDB 348, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
78712, (512) 471-7545. Funding in part by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation and the Sid W. Richardson Foundation. Issued weekly
when classes are in session during fall and spring terms. ISSN 0199-106X.

eee tes

a

e@