Describes the interdisciplinary research of Myrtle B. McGraw; examines the controversy about McGraw's concept of critical period; and assesses her impact on current research. McGraw contended that the overlapping phases involved in neuromuscular integration demonstrate that learning and maturation interact during development. (BC)

Describes the development of an introductory undergraduate geography course that applies human and physical geography to an environmental problem. Discusses reasons for the course and its content and structure. Identifies the focus on a single environmental problem, emphasis on both physical and social processes, and course design as the program's…

Describes Math Safari, a mathematical, scientific, geographic, informational adventure for fourth grade students. It integrates all curriculum areas and other skills by using information children must find in books to pose math problems about animals. It encourages cooperative learning, critical reading, analysis, and use of research skills. (SM)

In response to an emerging anti-intellectualism on campus, Saint Lawrence University (New York) instituted an interdisciplinary first-year course built around themes of community and identity. The effort is designed to stimulate intellectual development, bring faculty and students into closer contact, and blend academics and student life. (MSE)

Senior seminars established at St. Mary's College (Maryland) as capstone courses for majors are intended to offer an interdisciplinary perspective and enable students to demonstrate mastery of skills. Assignments typically include writing a major paper, conducting a research project, or leading a class discussion. (MSE)

Increasingly, college undergraduates are custom designing their courses of study and creating majors that allow them to combine often eclectic interests with career goals. In many cases, students' creations have had a lasting impact through development of new academic programs. Institutional arrangements for planning, advising, and monitoring…

A San Diego State University (California) graduate course in the School of Public Administration integrates literature study with professional education. Its objectives are to give students vicarious experience with the frustration and alienation felt by potential clients and the dilemmas faced by conscientious administrators and to rekindle…

Discusses the use of interdisciplinary units in education by highlighting methodological considerations, specific benefits, and possible approaches to interdisciplinary instruction. Indicates that interdisciplinary approaches achieve coherence, avoid fragmented learning, order information, reduce background information requirements, connect…

Since 1988, National Center for School Leadership at University of Illinois has systematically explored what school leaders can do to enhance classroom teaching and student learning. Articles in this section focus on NCSL findings and illuminate connections between leadership and reform. Researchers assumed leadership is multidimensional, student…

This article offers a working definition and an overview of the critical components of collaborative consultation, including theoretical foundations, competencies, and model components. It focuses on the role of the speech language pathologist within various models and as a participant in a five-step problem-solving procedure. (DB)

This article reviews the development of a collaborative interdisciplinary graduate program in services to infants at the University of Illinois. The program's framework includes collaboration across and within departments, in course work within and across disciplines, and in clinical supervision. (DB)

Examines the rationale for the introduction of Economic and Industrial Understanding (EIU) as a component of the elementary and secondary curriculum in the United Kingdom, as well as some of the problems, opportunities, and challenges afforded by this curricular initiative. (Author/MDM)

Assesses the concerns raised by a group of middle-level teachers when developing and implementing interdisciplinary curriculum, teaming, and teaching. Participants progressed through various stages, including information, personal, management, and collaboration. Concerns at each level had to be resolved before teachers could reach the final…

Describes a transformational geometry project in which groups of students explore symmetry, reflections, translations, rotations, and dilations to design and create one hole of miniature golf large enough to play on. Includes unit plan for transformational geometry. (MKR)

Research over four decades supports the learning effectiveness of interdisciplinary curricula. Emphasizing interrelationships across the curriculum creates powerful learning opportunities that help students find relevance in course content and become more actively engaged in learning. This special issue addresses teacher preparation for…