The development of constructivism has resulted in teaching modifications in the science classroom. While the majority of the literature has focused on the promising outcomes of the teaching reform, the present study reports various minor but persistent criticisms. This paper qualitatively analyzes skeptical students' criticisms regarding the…

This paper investigates how the study of English literature at senior secondary level might be construed in ways that are congruent with current poststructuralist understandings about texts, reading and writing. As an example we analyse an innovative English literature course, whose students develop a theorized understanding of a range of reading…

Objective: The United States is facing a severe shortage of academic child and adolescent psychiatrists. This article reviews a model integrated pathway to improve recruitment. Methods: The authors review training portals for research in child and adolescent psychiatry. There is a summary of a focus group discussion of the advantages and…

Most teachers will endorse "standards" of authentic instruction, including deep knowledge, higher order thinking, substantive conversation, and connections to the world beyond the classroom. When it comes to putting such endorsements into practice, however, they too often accept a standardized view of content that is dull and doctrinaire and…

Macquarie University's new medical school, The Australian School of Advanced Medicine (ASAM), is developing a postgraduate program that incorporates a partnership with Macquarie University Library. The curriculum encompasses contemporary models of competency-based assessment, teamwork and lifelong learning that are integrated with research and…

Innovation and entrepreneurship are vital for economic growth, as was already asserted by Schumpeter in 1934. In a recent survey carried out by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, 2006) a picture emerges of The Netherlands as lagging behind when it comes to starting a company, whereby start-ups of students coming…

In this paper, we develop a conceptual framework for an anthropomorphic change agent to motivate pre-service teachers to integrate technology into teaching and learning. This agent is designed with a hybrid persona that simulates a mentor and plays both motivation and companion roles. Based on the theoretical grounding in motivation and change…

Skillful substitute teachers are critical to student achievement, especially in today's high-stakes accountability environment. Because teachers are absent from duty, some for short periods of time and others for lengthy time frames, schools may find it difficult to meet high academic and accountability standards without prepared substitute…

This article examines the innovative regulations, methodologies, and institutions involved in the development of the European Higher Education Area and their implications for teaching, research, and management of University Programs for Older People. It also identifies the main tendencies, creative dimensions, and ethical commitments implicit in…

The economic and social future of the United States depends on answering the growing demand for very high-speed broadband connectivity, a capability termed "big broadband." Failure to take on the challenge could lead to a decline in global competitiveness and an inability to educate students. (Contains 20 notes.)

This book contains papers presented by educators during the China-U.S. Conference on Education in July, 1997. Only papers prepared by American authors were received and included in this collection. Chapters included are (1) "Art, Education, and Community: Arts Genesis, Inc." (C. S. Kestler); (2) "Applications of Portfolio Assessment…

A Rand Corporation study finds that an innovation is likely to fail if a school is in it for the money; however, if a school identifies a genuine problem and tries to solve it, the innovation is likely to succeed. (Author/IRT)

Suggests that after a decade of attempts at innovative reform in American schools, evidence of real change does not appear to have materialized. (RB)

Examines constraints on innovation in teaching and learning in higher education, and institutional mechanisms for trying to promote such innovation. Factors such as teaching climate, resource allocation and consultancy support are considered. (Editor/PG)

A NUMBER OF INNOVATIONS AT GOLDEN WEST COLLEGE ARE DESIGNED TO UPDATE AND IMPROVE JUNIOR COLLEGE EDUCATION. THE USE OF AN AUDIOTUTORIAL APPROACH (PATTERNED AFTER THE OAKLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROJECT) IN LIBERAL ARTS BIOLOGY RESULTED IN A 66-PERCENT DECREASE IN FAILURES AND DROPOUTS, AN INCREASE OF FROM ONE-THIRD TO ONE-HALF IN COURSE CONTENT, AND…