Twenty-first-century biology is inherently interdisciplinary. Every aspect of biology, from molecules to organisms to ecosystems, is richly informed by the physical, mathematical, and computational sciences. It is both an exciting and daunting time for biology educators--exciting because of the vast opportunity for important new discoveries that…

In this article, the author discusses how an instructional leader can overcome organizational inertia and create a genuine systemic change by starting small. To make a successful change, an organization must do the following: (1) Find the right staff and a powerful idea; (2) Provide a sponsor; (3) Start small; (4) Get results; (5) Find a…

This paper considers the concept of networks as a strategy for educational change. It is divided into six parts: (1) the meaning of educational change; (2) models and strategies for educational change; (3) case histories (one formal and one informal international network and a network of rural schools in Norway); (4) dilemmas in networking, (e.g.,…

These papers, presented at a 1980 American Anthropological Association seminar, address two topics: why the teaching of anthropology should be promoted, especially at the secondary level; and how anthropologists and educators might achieve this goal. Several of the papers have been substantially revised since the symposium. The papers are…

Describes six alternatives to the one-year chronological survey course on world history in secondary grades. The alternatives are topical or thematic courses, conceptual or generalization-centered courses, world regions or world cultures courses, problems approach courses, case study courses, and depth studies or patch-work courses. (RM)

A case study of an innovative comprehensive school in Britain revealed both traditional and progressive tendencies in the headmaster's and the school's goals. The researchers label this duality the Janus Syndrome. The article concludes that the traditional and progressive can coexist to the benefit of all concerned. (Author/WD)

This textbook analyzes successful innovations in education. The first chapter provides an overview of the book, which is followed by a review of classical studies and disasters that have accompanied innovation. Chapter 3 offers a series of separate stories about the different ways teachers have responded to changes, and chapter 4 tries to reverse…

Research using educational data includes both disciplinary and pedagogic research. Concentrating on pedagogic research into singlar cases, rather than into generalities, would improve the quality of education. Such research would mean more emphasis on case studies, probes (account of a method for analyzing practice to improve it), and curriculum…

Discussion of the advantages in collaboration between schools and colleges in the area of educational technology focuses on a case study of a project developed at the Center for Improved Engineering and Science Education (CIESE) at Stevens Institute of Technology. Incentives for participation are discussed, and guidelines for success emphasize a…

Given the abundance of open education initiatives that aim to make educational assets freely available online, the time seems ripe to explore the potential of open education to transform the economics and ecology of education. Despite the diversity of tools and resources already available--from well-packaged course materials to simple games, for…

The study reported in this document was conducted to identify, describe, and assess the potential of innovative approaches to integrating vocational and academic education as one way of helping students to understand the utility of academic learning. Research activities included case studies of five integrated-curriculum programs in California,…

The use of case studies as a teaching method--that is, presenting students with realistic problems to solve as part of the curriculum--is examined. Emphasis is on instructional materials, interdisciplinarity, and the complex relationships within the university and among faculty that help or hinder the method. (MSE)

A brief literature review and a report on two studies of change implementation in schools indicate that "directed development," in which experts give help directly to classroom teachers, is the most effective implementation strategy. The author's literature review traces research on program implementation from a 1975 Rand report…

The papers collected here were presented at a three-day conference which focused on the use of communications technology for educational/instructional purposes. Participants included representatives from elementary and secondary schools; two- and four-year colleges and universities; continuing education and lifelong learning; industry, labor, and…

Organized on cluster college concepts, the University of West Florida promises an education with the advantages of the small college while making available to students the kinds of resources a university can offer. Each college has at least one department from the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, business, and education. (Author/MSE)