This article discusses a systematic approach to designing significant learning experiences, often referred to as the "backward design process," which has been popularized by Wiggins and McTighe (1998) and is included as a central feature of L. Dee Fink's model for integrated course design (Fink, 2003). The process is referred to as backward…

This paper addresses the dilemmas encountered by two secondary science education instructors designing a course for preservice elementary teachers. Taking into consideration past experiences of teaching education and science courses in general and with preservice elementary teachers in particular and recommendations from state and national…

This report focuses on the open laboratory procedures used in the freshman biology course at Hamline University. The study aimed to review a number of specific methods used in conducting the unstructured and unscheduled laboratory procedures and discover the most effective arrangement using those procedures. The report includes detailed…

Curriculum innovation in Kansas high school social studies departments replaces the traditional history courses with mini-courses which provide more varied elective experiences for students. This approach to individualization is suggested as a viable organizational innovation with important future educational implications. (SM)

A plea for meticulous planning in establishing an office training course. (Editor)

The curriculum change for which these projections were made included eliminating traditional distribution requirements in favor of interdisciplinary programs and increased student electives. The plan allowed study of the staffing needs and anticipated effects upon departmental offerings. (Editor)

This article suggests a reorganization of existing school curricula to include a major place for study of the environment and its problems. A Theoretical environmental model is given which incorporates many existing disciplines into a common body of knowledge. It focuses on environmental concerns through a problem solving approach. (LS)

The organization of education in Australia is briefly described. Revisions and development of physics curricula, including British and American projects, are discussed. (TS)

The programs and materials exist for teaching basic legal concepts in elementary schools; what is needed now is the commitment. (MB)

A classification system developed and used by the author indicates one logical way to approach the development of curriculum and materials for communication electronics. It is open-ended, so that new developments can be classified and added at the appropriate place of importance with respect to the total body of knowledge. (Author)

Two rule-based mathematics curricula were compared experimentally. The discrete rules curriculum was cut from 303 lower order rules to 169 rules plus 5 higher order rules by a higher order curriculum. Higher order curriculum subjects were taught less, but learned more. (Author/SE)