"The Effectiveness of Mathematics Teaching in Primary Schools: Lessons from England and China" provides a unique insight into the mathematics classrooms of these two countries and arrives at a time when the world is eager to know how Chinese learners consistently excel at learning mathematics and other core subjects. Showcasing the kinds…

Education has gone through numerous radical changes as the digital era has transformed the way we as humans communicate, inform ourselves, purchase goods, and perform other mundane chores at home and at work. New and emerging pedagogies have enabled rapid advancements, perhaps too rapidly. It is a challenge for instructors and researchers alike to…

The number of doctorates being awarded around the world has almost doubled over the last ten years, propelling it from a small elite enterprise into a large and ever growing international market. Within the context of increasing numbers of doctoral students this book examines the new doctorate environment and the challenges it is starting to face.…

Overviews a section in the same "Educational Leadership" issue on improving teaching productivity. Highlights Harold Stevenson's article comparing mathematics education in the U.S., China, and Japan and Bruce Joyce's summary and analysis of the research literature on effective instructional strategies. (MLH)

Describes Chinese art education from the viewpoint of an exchange expert in a cross-cultural study. Provides insights into the context in which art is produced in China. Contrasts the Chinese emphasis upon teaching by imitation with the Western emphasis upon concepts and guidance. (KO)

Argues for a comprehensive overhaul of the Chinese school system. Specifically criticizes teacher-dominated instruction, emphasis on skills training over creative thinking, outdated and irrelevant materials. Concludes that a lack of consistency and planning in the curriculum will result in a generation inadequately prepared for the future. (MJP)

Discusses reasons for Chinese childrens' greater skills in drawing when compared with their Western counterparts. Describes teaching methods and learning strategies found in China. Notes Chinese emphasis upon attainment of high skill levels and concentration until a task is complete. Criticizes art education in the United States for its lack of…

Describes reform of a Chinese vocational teaching program. Emphasizes a teaching structure combining theoretical and practical teaching. Lists prerequisites for an independent teaching system as suitable instructors (usually engineers), equipment for practice, and a transformation of the students' views toward study. Urges revision of teaching…

Provides an overview of China's music education system. Notes that there is in Chinese education a different emphasis upon conformity and the individual. Finds a separation between ideals and action in both the Chinese and United States programs. States that efforts to move the Chinese program away from training are still rudimentary. (KO)

"Chronicle of Higher Education" presents an abundant source of news and information for college and university faculty members and administrators. This July 9, 2004 issue of "Chronicle of Higher Education" includes the following articles: (1) "Learning Communities Can Be Cohesive-And Divisive" (Jaffee, David); (2)…