The required first-year clerkship in family and community medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School is discussed. The goals and objectives and the teaching methods used to implement the program are described. It is suggested that community medicine clerkships belong in the first year of the curriculum. (Author/MLW)

Reports on the program for the inservice training of secondary school English teachers, conducted at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst; and offers it as a model for similar efforts by college English departments. (RL)

The process of program review as undertaken by the higher education institutions in Illinois is described. The role of the Illinois Board of Education, the individual institutions, and the governing boards are discussed as well as program characteristics compatible with the three-tiered structure of higher education administration in the state.…

Reviews recent developments in instructional processes and urges us, with several arguments, to move forward. (Editor/RK)

Describes the policy changes in early childhood development in South Africa since 1994. Examines changes in Norther Province based on discussions by a group of teacher-practitioners and highlights the actions necessary to develop and implement the policies. Discusses the methodology of the change process, with particular reference to the role of…

Describes two Head Start projects designed to make the transition from preschool to kindergarten less stressful for Head Start children and their families. Programs are the Mille Lacs Reservation Head Start program in Minnesota and the East Coast Migrant Head Start project in Fort Pierce, Florida. Project evaluations are summarized. (BB)

Describes the Bringing Out Head Start Talents (BOHST) project, which was designed to modify materials and procedures for training Head Start personnel, parents, and volunteers to identify disabled and low-income gifted children and develop appropriate programs for them. (BB)

Inquiry education cuts across conventional distinctions between liberal arts and professional programs and is supported by specially designed curricula and pedagogies. The establishment of Hampshire College is described. The idea that undergraduate education should promote students' intellectual independence was a strong thread through the…

Outlines a constructivist model for teaching basic mathematical concepts and processes to underprepared college students. Explores five types of classroom interaction incorporated into the model, including peer teaching, interactive teaching, and independent learning. Reports on an assessment of the constructivist approach at the University of…

A program in which first-year pharmacy students "shadowed" fourth-year students in clerkships for a day found the shadowing experienced did not significantly improve students' ability to master course objectives, but the introduction of younger students to practice areas of pharmacy was seen as very beneficial. (Author/MSE)

This paper describes a seminar for premedical students aimed at preventing their later disillusionment and distress as medical trainees by fostering realistic expectations and emotional exploration. The seminar consisted of discussions between premedical students and medical trainees/practitioners about stress and coping and included a physician…

Reviews the experimental literature concerning the effectiveness of prenatal and newborn home visiting programs in improving the lives of children and families, focusing on studies employing randomized trials. Results suggest that home visiting programs have had mixed success, improving some outcomes but not others. (MDM)

A family literacy program used "Be Excited about Reading" bags, which contained quality children's books and family activities that extended the classroom theme to be taken home by at-risk prekindergarten and kindergarten students. The literacy bags reached all families, encouraged family/school partnerships promoting children's learning, affected…

Describes and evaluates a program developed within the English Centre at the University of Hong Kong to assist students who are required to present dissertations in English. The program is based on data collected from detailed interviews with graduate supervisors and from a survey of graduate students. (Author/JL)

Montana developed an alternative certification program for special educators in response to severe personnel shortages in rural schools. Program strengths include 2 years of mentoring and flexibility in delivery that allows participants to earn certification while working. Evaluation results are presented along with suggested improvements, which…