Presents an experimental secondary school curriculum as drafted by the Soviet Union's Ministry of Education in 1987. Intended for implementation (after modifications) by the year 2000, as part of perestroika and educational reform. Examines the curriculum's rationale. Lists school subjects, indicating number of hours and grades in which they…

Critiques the California History Social Science Framework's structuring of world history. Suggests some ideas for developing conceptual and organizational course models that can effectively accommodate the framework's subject matter recommendations while presenting a more holistic view of world history. (DB)

Although it is not clear how important undergraduate professional education is in final practice behavior of the health professional, it is probable that graduates of problem-based curricula will be more effective continuing learners and therefore better practitioners because of a more positive feeling about learning and acquisition of…

The process used by the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine to develop core curriculum guidelines for third-year family medicine clerkships is described, the guidelines are presented, and dissemination, implementation, and further development activities are outlined. The work was supported by a Department of Health and Human Services grant.…

A study investigated differences in National Board of Medical Examiners Part I scores for students at the College of Human Medicine (Michigan) in two preclinical medicine curricula, one problem based and one traditional, during four distinct periods. Results illustrate the difficulty of comparing the curricula, given revisions over time. (MSE)

Examines different ways in which a range of computer-mediated communication tools can be used in similar classroom settings. Argues that curriculum design for writing classes is inextricably tied to how computer communications will be used in the class. Presents results of a semester-long study of two first-year writing classes using computers.…

Schools and higher education institutions in Sweden have developed a wide range of innovative and demanding curricula to meet the objectives of Sweden's environmental policy. Describes the education system of Sweden and the environmental education curricula for compulsory schools, upper-secondary schools, universities, and inservice teacher…

Argues that the behavioral or "human" sciences are fundamentally different in scope and intent from the natural sciences. Describes the use of controversial topics in undergraduate courses and provides a four-step process. Recommends using Karl Popper's falsification theory to help students think critically about issues. (CFR)

Describes problems associated with teaching a multigraded social studies class. Relates an apocryphal story about how one teacher used innovative practices in a multigraded class but aroused administrative ire. Questions whether scores on achievement tests are more important than critical-thinking and decision-making skills. (CFR)

A study explored the impact of structured team problem solving (STEPS) on 15 cognitive and social skills and examined learning outcomes among 26 undergraduates in a health science course. Results suggest STEPS can enhance problem-based learning (PBL) by improving task completion and group processes and may enable implementation of PBL in larger…

Examines the curriculum at the Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology (Canada) to show that training for library technicians is primarily skills based. Discusses factors influencing change in Ontario programs; programs in other parts of Canada, United States, and Australia; comparison with graduate programs; and unresolved issues…

Discusses the need to redesign the preservice training in educational administration to include more content and practice in issues related to special education, such as: (1) attitudes; (2) laws/regulations; (3) instructional/curricular issues; and (4) staff/family/community interaction. Ways to incorporate special education into preservice…

Calls on the foreign language profession to identify a field of study described as a discipline with four subfields (language, literature, linguistics, and culture). Urges that language be taught not just as language but also as a structure reflecting the verbal and nonverbal expression of the culture, through curricular outreach programs to other…

Provides an overview of Japanese second-language instruction in the United States. Suggests that, despite the quality and amount of resources, many Japanese programs are in an unstable situation. Discusses a project in Colorado that is working toward the common goals of Japanese instruction at the secondary and postsecondary levels. (Author/VWL)

Reports the results of a national survey on foreign language education in the United States. The survey focused on elementary and secondary schools and was conducted during the 1996-97 school year. The goal was to gain greater understanding of current patterns and shifts in enrollment, languages and programs offered, curriculum, teacher…