National curriculum reform is a complex negotiation point of how basic education should be practiced and what role it should take in society. The question of participation in this process is central to creating a coherent, responsible, and implementable curriculum--but still left for little investigation in the national level reforms. Our goal was…

Examines the recommendations of the Task Group on Assessment and Testing (TGAT) report, particularly emphasizing the sections on teacher assessment. Reflects upon the actual recommendations contained in the report. Finds the report not to be as progressive as was previously thought. (KO)

This essay explores perspectives on teaching and learning by considering how a particular reform program (Individually Guided Education) is influenced by the social conditions in which it is realized. Individually Guided Education (IGE) is an approach to elementary school reform based on mastery-learning techniques. (DB)

Describes the Scottish Assessment in Home Economics Research Project. The project developed and tested new forms of home economics assessment techniques for secondary schools. (RM)

Described are some results of the British teacher assessment in public examinations project that is studying the impact of teachers' involvement in assessment. The project is focusing on the ways in which assessments are conducted and moderated and the changes in teaching that teacher involvement in examining might make. (RM)

Describes and identifies problems with criterion referenced programs and criterion referenced tests. Among the problems are criterion referenced programs that often are used incorrectly by teachers, are not accompanied by the necessary support system, and often do not inform teachers of how to set instructional objectives for individual students.…

Describes an educational research study which was undertaken to determine and assess use of recitation in the elementary school classroom as a teaching technique, particularly in social studies and mathematics education units. Findings indicated that recitation should be used more often in the classroom because it does permit some degree of…

Reviews the decades-old debate about the efficacy of student projects and learner controlled instruction and the role they play in authentic assessment. Argues that the shift to a postindustrial economy has given these methods renewed creditably and relevance. Discusses the impact that technological advancements have made. (MJP)

Describes and analyzes Swedish curriculum theory and research over the last 20 years. Relates this to changes in the comprehensive school system and the decline of the welfare state. Recounts the break-up of the cooperative relationship among the research community, the National Board of Education, and the Ministry of Education. (MJP)

Describes the communist Chinese national curriculum in social studies, a broad term that includes moral and political education, as well as traditional subjects. Includes a sample moral and political education lesson, " Socialism is Good," and lists of several textbook contents and curriculum guides. Provides a brief educational history.…

Reports on a research development model designed to improve the teaching and learning of mathematics in the Dominican Republic. The model drew heavily upon the Missouri Mathematics Project. Discusses innovations in curriculum development, classroom instruction, and inservice teacher training. Includes statistical tables on student achievement and…

Summarizes the main points from the largest international study of innovations in the fields of science, mathematics, and technology education ever undertaken. Particularly emphasizes the changing relationships between teacher and learner and the increased value given to practical work and experiential learning. Discusses the implications for…