Asserts that, as society moves into an electronic age, the examination of the historical role of printed materials is developing as a new field of study. Reports on a project that will examine the history of the book in the United States and its significance in shaping and mirroring U.S. democratic values. (CFR)

A discussion of education in South Africa looks at the history of public policy concerning schools for blacks and whites, enrollment trends since 1969, early efforts at desegregation, and obstacles that must be overcome to make education equitable in that country. (MSE)

Nine articles discuss teaching research skills to junior and senior high school students including useful personal qualities, computer-assisted instruction, researching issues of current public debate, an oral history project on the 1960s, changing roles of librarians, cooperative learning, video and audiotapes as sources, CD-ROM-based indexes,…

Describes the curriculum revision undertaken at Indiana University's Instructional Systems Technology Department. The impetus for change is discussed; stages in the revision process and major new curriculum features are covered; a brief synopsis of two relevant field studies is given; and the effect of revision on the faculty is briefly described.…

This study investigated how teachers in two school systems, at different levels of instructional computer competence, thought about and used computers to support instruction. Survey results indicated teachers in both systems, at both levels, had similar perceptions of what it took to become effective instructional computer users. (SM)

Social and institutional factors in the Solomon Islands, shaped by colonialism and modernization, affect classroom practice, constraining teachers' use of cultural knowledge. The article challenges notions of cultural congruence as solutions to classroom problems, distinguishing between appropriation of childrens' culture for hegemonic interests…

Explains how elementary students learned art criticism by acquiring a collection of miniature reproductions of artworks, which the students critiqued. Describes how the art specialist worked with the classroom teacher to direct writing activities. Comments on how the teacher managed to acquire the miniature reproduction of artwork. (KM)

Conveys how art history is taught to elementary school students through the Picture Presenter program. Trained volunteers present reproductions of important artworks and illustrate these to students by wearing clothes or using items similar to those in the painting. Describes learning activities and the fundraising that keeps the project…

Analyzes the political and socioeconomic context of three innovations introduced in Tanzania in the 1960s and 1970s: functional adult literacy, workers' education, and the Folk Development Colleges. Identifies factors hindering their implementation (e.g., lack of trained educators, inadequate financing, and mismatch between needs and programs) and…

Approaches taken by a school science department to implement a global science curriculum using a range of available resources are outlined. Problems with current curriculum approaches, alternatives to an ethnocentric curriculum, advantages of global science, and possible strategies for implementing a global science policy are discussed. (27…

This paper discusses the use of facilitated communication training with individuals labeled as intellectually impaired, including individuals diagnosed as autistic, at the DEAL Communication Centre in Victoria, Australia. The paper describes the clients, hand use problems addressed by facilitation, literacy, structuring success, fading support,…

Suggests that the means to eliminate illiteracy are available in Africa if nations devise and implement a strategy of action based on an effective political will and adopting a methodical, rational approach. Discusses the current situation, negative factors, repercussions on development, and future demands. Argues that promoting basic education…

Describes the development and validation of the Microcomputer Beliefs Inventory (MBI) that was designed to measure the self-efficacy and outcome expectancy beliefs of middle school students in grades six, seven, and eight toward computers. Results are compared by grade level and gender, and uses of the MBI are suggested. (nine references) (LRW)

Describes three programs designed to attract students to science education: Project 2061, developing curriculum models and blueprints for science teacher education; the Scope, Sequence, and Coordination Project, recommending that science be taught each year in grades 6-12; and the National Science Education Standards project, developing standards…

A microanalysis of play in a fourth-grade classroom highlights its governing patterns and rules in play in which literacy is a factor. Social rituals of children are products of interaction and observation of the adult culture. They are a window into how schools and culture inform each other. (SLD)