Studied the prevalence and learning consequences of ability grouping in French lower secondary schools (colleges). Findings for about 30,000 students show that ability grouping is relatively widespread in France, and that the average level of the class is positively associated with student learning. For low achievers, a homogeneous class is the…

Compares the Japanese educational system with that in England. Discusses the structure of school levels and examinations, the curriculum, and informal educational practices and cultural expectations. Notes the place of science study in the Japanese system. (Author/WRM)

Discusses the Advanced Placement (AP) Physics program in the U.S. in terms of which of its aspects may be applied to education in the United Kingdom. Suggests that a British AP scheme giving access to introductory-level college physics for the brightest students may be needed in light of proposed A-level curriculum changes in the U.K. (Author/WRM)

Challenges Montessori educators to assess how effectively a Montessori education achieves its spiritual goals in the formation of character. Maintains that the prepared environment may not be enough, given the assault of commercialism on the growing minds of children, especially in the form of advertising. (Author)

A 1996-97 survey of 40 home schooling families in rural Nebraska examined family characteristics, parents' social and political attitudes, the rationale for home schooling, curriculum and supplementary materials, children's opportunities for social experiences, rural characteristics, parents' educational attitudes, and support from extended…

Aims to demonstrate effects of teaching practice on teachers' perspectives about teaching. Argues that there is often a mismatch between teachers' explicit beliefs about teaching and practices in which they engage. Suggests that teachers should develop an appreciation of how tensions and stresses of practice inform their beliefs about teaching.…

Data from the 1994-95 Teacher Follow-up Survey, summarized in "What Happens in Classrooms," paint a picture of teachers' instructional practices in the early days of standards-based reform. Teachers have incorporated some recommended practices, but have not decreased their conventional practices. (SLD)

Calls attention to the difficulties of broaching issues of "race" and "sex" in the classroom context of nationwide calls for multiculturalism. Discusses the current politics surrounding the importance of student course evaluations, and presents strategies for making evaluations more useful in the context of courses that include controversial…

Discusses issues in selecting computer programs and interactive multimedia for culturally diverse students, including the necessity of including diverse cultural referents and acknowledging the cognitive style of students who will be using the programs. (SLD)

Presents the autonomous-learner model developed by George Betts and the Renzulli model as possible ways to facilitate creative thinking and personal development in Japanese students, whose culture typically emphasizes memorization. Concludes that developing the mindset to critically question learning will increase students' learning abilities and…

Describes the author's three-week trip touring Japan with other American teachers, principals, and superintendents to learn about Japanese culture and receive an insider's look at Japanese education. Discusses hearing from Japanese education officials, traveling in and around Tokyo, visiting Japanese schools, and a weekend with a Japanese family.…

Maintains that educators should broaden their conception of competence and their thinking about desired educational outcomes. Argues that schools must become places where all students, not just the higher academic performers, can cultivate their skills, feel competent, and experience success. Suggests strategies for implementing a broader…

A national sample of kindergarten teachers (N=3595) were surveyed regarding their use of transition practices for children with special needs. The most frequently reported transition practices were sending letters to parents and arranging visits to first grade classrooms. Least frequently used practices were home visits and meetings to discuss the…

This paper introduces student-centered learning, provides examples of postsecondary student-centered learning practices, and identifies problems and issues associated with adopting, adapting, scaling, and advancing technology-based student-centered learning environments. (DB)

Argues that the ways in which college and university faculty experience their work often inhibit them from applying validated teaching practices. Suggests, however, that leadership practices and working cultures at the departmental level that foster collective and collaborative teaching approaches can go far toward improving teaching and learning,…