Designed for elementary and secondary teachers around the world, this book presents a variety of strategies, objectives, and content for teaching geography. The first of 10 chapters takes a critical look at some of the recent changes in geography and education. Chapter 2 examines learning problems in light of research by Piaget and Bruner.…

A computer model which simulates nutrient cycling helps students understand the pathways which elements follow. Examples of exercises which are designed to develop a more critical awareness of the literature dealing with nutrient cycling in ecosystems and a deeper understanding of the scientific method are discussed. (Author/IS)

Describes the financial crises of higher education institutions in French-speaking Sub-Saharan African nations. Suggests that higher education is still overfunded in relation to other levels of education. Recommends more efficient spending and fewer, but better, students to improve the image of education in these nations. (CFR)

Argues for a diverse response to the issues and objectives concerning assessment. Highlights a wide variety of assessment procedures from foreign schools, each one relevant to the local culture and educational objectives. Discusses the inherent dangers in overemphasizing, as well as underemphasizing, assessment. (MJP)

Contends that the United Nations actively works to improve living conditions in Honduras. Discusses United Nations efforts to improve education through teacher education. Asserts that, although the United Nations has extensive operations in Honduras, education about the UN in Honduran schools is superficial. (CFR)

Describes a successful adult vocational educational program in the city of Montes Claros, Brazil. Outlines how herdsmen and small farmers are educated to be skilled industrial workers. Discusses the importance of private funding from businesses to the success of the program. (CFR)

Elements of the Japanese educational system were examined to determine if they could be incorporated into U.S. practices. Research was reviewed in five areas, and annotations for each section were organized chronologically beginning with the most recent. The five areas covered were: (1) differences in test scores of achievement and cognitive…

Reports on a study by 20 Chinese higher education institutions about educational finance. Compares the relationship between educational investment and per capita national income in 38 market economies and 3 centrally planned economies. Provides a formula that indicates the rate of increased funding necessary for educational reform in China. (CFR)

Asserts that divergent views about the level of educational funding in China exist among policymakers. Discusses the difficulty of measuring the Gross National Product and comparing it with other nations. Concludes that educational funding in China is much lower than other nations with comparable levels of economic development. (CFR)

Peace education requires that teacher and student be seen as co-learners. The student must be seen as an active learner, not a passive recipient of teacher lectures or narratives. Students' thinking on peace/war issues should be the starting point and the continual reference point in the curriculum. (RM)

Briefly presents the results of a study comparing the responses of Asian Canadian students and European Canadian students for evidence of social responsibility bias. Using the Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding, the study found little evidence of bias. Discusses implications and weaknesses of the experiment. (MJP)

Discussion of European funding models for higher education looks first at different funding mechanisms used in several countries, with particular attention to formula funding and its increasing use. Institutional responses to differing financial and planning environments are noted, particularly when circumstances produce unwanted outcomes.…

A delegation of 22 mathematics educators sponsored by the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics visited Japan September 23-October 11, 1988. The group included teachers from elementary through university levels. The group visited 16 schools, 2 teacher training colleges, a scientific university, and 2 juku schools in the four major population…

Written in both English and French, this newsletter discusses how politics should be taught to elementary students. There are three major failings in the teaching of politics to elementary students: (1) concentration on the formal institutions of government and failure to teach about the concepts that underlie politics, e.g., power, authority, and…

Presents a series of excerpts from the UNICEF report, "The State of the World's Children 1997." The excerpts focus on the abysmal state of education for many children in developing countries. Grinding poverty, child labor, and a lack of educational support have produced a near-global crisis. (MJP)