Systems thinking involves seeing relationships between the parts to the whole within the school improvement effort. After providing the key principles and examples of systems thinking, the article emphasizes the importance of staff development, highlighting experiences at a Wellesley (Massachusetts) middle school and an Alaskan high school. (SM)

One of the goals of science education is to foster critical and scientific thinking skills. However, if the meaning of the terms "thinking critically" or "thinking scientifically" is not clear, these phrases will become vacuous slogans beyond translation in teaching methods and curriculum materials. Therefore, the fundamental aspect of these terms…

Although teachers may sequence instructions carefully, they are unable to respond to the complex unique experience of each individual learner. Divergent production should be an instructional choice that enables individuals to learn through their own recall and idea construction. Learning is problem solving; when individuals do not know how to deal…

In seven articles discusses topics related to the practice of employment counseling in Canada including: (1) assessment in employment counseling; (2) problem- solving approaches to group employment issues; (3) competency-based training and certification for counselors; (4) taping client interviews; and (5) clients typology most likely to benefit…

The National Research Council is coordinating the development of national standards for science education in grades K through 12. By the fall of 1994, National Science Education Standards will be completed and published. The standards will contain narrative descriptions of what all students should be able to do to engage and understand the natural…

U.S. research institutions are undergoing significant changes from patterns established in the decade following World War II. Declining undergraduate enrollments are predicted to lead to "steady-state" universities; federal policy is emphasizing industry-university research cooperation and calling for a decreased federal role in the…

After noting that research and development reports indicate that there are strong psychological arguments for approaching algebraic concepts through the use of computer programming, the work of the Nottingham Programming in Mathematics Project with pupils aged 11-13 is briefly described. What is meant by understanding of a concept and how pupils…

This paper focuses on the first steps (Planning and Organization) of a three-stage model designed to help school personnel deal with problem-oriented parent-teacher conferences. Seven distinct steps of the Planning and Organization stage are described in detail: (1) specifying the problem; (2) organizing information; (3) specifying objectives; (4)…

Describes the process of problem-based learning (PBL), discusses the history of the movement, and analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of PBL. Explains the advantages of PBL in developing desirable attributes in biochemistry graduates which include being able to generalize, being able to interpret data, and possessing knowledge of relevant…

A discussion of recent trends in state educational reform stresses the importance of addressing two challenges: teaching all students higher order thinking and developing more systematic, coherent policies. The article describes the challenges, examines how state policies in the 1980s addressed them and how districts responded, and suggests future…

Four evaluation methods for determining educational policy are objectivism; subjectivism; emotive-imperative; and instrumentalism. For the objectivist, the rationale for undertaking an evaluation is based on empirical verification or non-verification of claims of existing policies or activities. Secondly, the objectivist is interested in…

Briefly explores the issue of conflict resolution (CR) in education; the introduction of CR into the public schools; and whether CR processes such as mediation meet the needs of nondominant groups. It also introduces several articles that discuss specific approaches to the development and implementation of CR programs in schools. (GLR)

This report provides a summary of testimony delivered at hearings around the country concerning Objectives Four and Five of National Education Goal Five that address the need to increase qualified student college enrollment (especially of minorities) and completion of at least 2 years (Objective Four), and the need to raise the proportion of…

The National Research Council is coordinating the development of national standards for science education in grades K through 12. By the fall of 1994, National Science Education Standards will be completed and published. The standards will contain narrative descriptions of what all students should be able to do to engage and understand the natural…

Presented is an account of a day-and-a-half seminar which was held for selected mathematics educators from six states. It was sponsored by the Regional Exchange (RX), a National Institute of Education (NIE) dissemination project headquartered at the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory (SEDL). The seminar had two important purposes: (1) to…