Examines the development and implementation of a multicultural education workshop designed to help future elementary school teachers prepare for classroom student diversity. Student journals and faculty perceptions are used in an outcome analysis that reveals an increase in participant knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for the…

Presents a case study examining the development and implementation of two recent curricular innovations at Michigan State University: the Integrative Studies Program and the Ethnic Studies Specialization. The programs consist of interdisciplinary courses incorporating instruction from geography, anthropology, sociology, and other areas. Discusses…

Recounts a university's attempt to create a more rigorous and rewarding sociology program. Utilizing recommendations from the American Sociological Association the university introduced four levels of sequencing consisting of introductory courses, skills courses, advanced substantive courses, and capstone courses. Concludes that this was a…

Ways in which a college or university can support and enhance service learning pedagogy are explored, including practical strategies for curriculum design, faculty development, and administrative support. Illustrations are drawn from Loyola College of Maryland, whose program has five categories of initiative: a service-leadership track, a…

A survey of 148 faculty, teaching international financial management, investigated the frequently used teaching methods, sources of information for lectures, ratings of course topic importance, and level of support given to faculty wishing to strengthen their instruction and research. Overall, most respondents were satisfied with the curricular…

A survey of 2 medical school classes at Dalhousie University (Canada) compared student attitudes toward the conventional (n=57 students) and problem-based (n=73) curricula. Students in the problem-based group had more positive attitudes toward the learning environment and curriculum, but were less positive on a student-interaction scale. No…

This response of the University of Southern California to the Institute of Medicine's 1995 report concerning the present status and future needs of dental education focuses on the report's influence in implementing a problem-based learning (PBL) option at USC. The PBL program's philosophy, goals, organization, faculty, admissions process, and…

The history of Arizona International College, a four-year public institution with a multicultural and global emphasis, is chronicled. The college evolved as an alternative to Arizona's existing public institutions, with a curriculum emphasizing communication skills, problem solving, quantitative and qualitative analysis, technical literacy, moral…

This study examined how electronic mail (e-mail) affected communication and learning among student teachers and between students and instructors, comparing e-mail with more traditional communications. Surveys, interviews, and e-mail messages indicated that e-mail helped students meet course requirements and maintain student-instructor contacts.…

A longitudinal study of 99 students attending 1 rural and 1 urban elementary school in Yugoslavia evaluated the effects of an interdisciplinary play-oriented program based on drama, story making, art-constructive activities, group research, and various games. Results showed an improvement in creativity, motivation to learn, and expressive…

Discusses the early childhood education programs of Finland as a development of the Finnish welfare state. Claims that these programs are related to family policy and are considered part of the educare programs, which tend to be child centered and tied to family values. Discusses the future of the Finnish educational system. (MOK)

Discusses a project that examined literacy development within the context of play in two Reykjavik preschool classrooms. Suggests that preschool teachers should enrich dramatic play with literacy props and print materials. Indicates that incorporating print materials in dramatic play provides a natural extension of children's preschool work and…

Discusses "Te Whariki," the New Zealand Draft Curriculum Guidelines for Early Childhood Education, in relation to historical and cultural contexts. Addresses aspirations of the Maori people for their language and culture to be protected and sustained. Asserts a bicultural imperative for early childhood education curriculum. (BGC)

Offers suggestions for a restructured preservice teacher education curriculum in South Africa and ideas for an integrated, thematic approach to teacher education. Outlines personal and professional characteristics of effective teachers, discusses the aims of teacher education, and proposes a three-year teacher education curriculum that includes…

Argues that the current cohort of teachers is not comfortable with science and avoids teaching science because of ignorance, disinterest, and lack of support from school authorities. Also states that scientists have doubts about the current university curriculum for teachers. (DDR)