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…

The history of mathematics and science integration in American schools is a continuum which runs from math for math's sake to science for science's sake. While examples of the integration of process skills are common, integration of content is not. Presents two lessons developed around radioactive decay and efficiency. Suggests that changes in…

Describes how Problem-Based Learning (PBL) was adapted for use in social studies teacher education. Reviews the background of PBL as used in professional faculties, and offers curricular justification for its use. Examines difficulties experienced in adapting PBL to teacher education, taking into account perspectives from prospective teachers and…

A review of literature on problem-based learning (PBL) in medical education focuses on the difficulties inherent in the "problem-based" approach; what the term implies; how it has been characterized and validated; how it relates to problem solving; how it relates to epistemological reform; and what the ground rules are for PBL.…

Reviews approaches to differentiation for gifted students used by educators, including setting tasks with an increased thinking demand, setting open-ended tasks, using graduated worksheets, and allowing pupils to record their responses to a task in different ways. Concludes teachers have too little guidance on differentiation. (Author/CR)

Objects to traditional scheduling practices in which band rehearsals are not started until well into the academic year. Argues that starting at the beginning of the year offers numerous advantages. Presents a number of lessons that can be employed in early band rehearsals, even before students are familiar with their instruments. (DSK)

Gives a detailed examination of classical education in New South Wales prior to 1850. Describes how the emphasis on teaching the classical tradition, prevalent in British educational institutions, ensured its presence in the new colonial schools, but not with the same priority due to the need for more utilitarian subjects. (DSK)

Follows the progress of "negotiation" (a force for democratizing the curriculum) in Tasmanian English classrooms, claiming it (1) allows a fluid space where teachers and students can work together; (2) provides an alternative to direct and indirect political influence over curriculum construction; and (3) has the potential to empower…

An innovative faculty technology-training program used nine special education graduate students as technology mentors for 19 faculty members. Results of this mentorship training model indicate an increase in faculty technology integration, an increase in student technology use, and an increase in mentoring relationships between the graduate…