This paper is a mid-project report of a study being conducted of a block of education methods courses (i.e., courses on classroom management, content area reading, secondary methods, and the professional educator) for students seeking emergency certification. This block is being taught 80% asynchronously through the Internet and 20% synchronously…

This paper is a report on the findings of a study conducted during an undergraduate computer science class for preservice teacher educators which was restructured using constructivist principles. Qualitative analysis techniques were applied to field notes, transcripts of computer-mediated discourse, project evaluations, an interview with the…

After a long history as a tool of forced assimilation of indigenous populations, education is now a key arena in which indigenous peoples can reclaim and revalue their languages and cultures and thereby improve the academic success of indigenous students. Community-based education offers a means by which indigenous peoples can regain a measure of…

This paper offers insights on how to facilitate student-student interaction in the science classroom. These insights derive from the education and the linguistics literature. Cooperative learning research offers a means of understanding what helps groups of students interact successfully. Systemic functional linguistics provides tools for…

A survey of science and English teachers in 10 Scottish secondary schools indicated a complex relationship between a teacher's identity as a subject expert, subject department boundaries, and authority relationships. Teachers felt they had little influence on general school policies. (f=fiche numbers). (CP)

A national survey of higher education stakeholders, including college-bound students, parents, executives, human resource managers, and recent graduates, found agreement that problem solving, critical thinking, and writing/oral skills can be defined as career skills and are the most important goals of higher education. However, many don't…

This educational-futures literature review examines essential skills students will need to function in an increasingly sophisticated work environment, noting implications for students with disabilities. Results highlight 12 competencies needed to succeed in the future work world. The competencies relate to general skills rather than rigidly…

The Brown University (Rhode Island) medical school curriculum content remains the same, but students must now demonstrate proficiency in relationships with patients, both real and simulated. In addition to traditional skill areas, students must demonstrate competency in effective communication, moral reasoning and ethical judgment, lifelong…

Identifies five forces driving colleges and universities to incorporate computer technology into curricula: improved information access; realism of simulation; work-related need for technology-based communication skills; potential for asynchronous learning; and potential to stimulate and support faculty development and renewal. Discusses…

Recounts an experiment where two groups of college students composed questions for a simulated quiz show and then answered each other's questions. They then answered questions comparing their performance with other groups. Proposes a social norm rather than attribution error explanation for the fact that groups consistently will underestimate…

A survey of medical school faculty (n=135) found that most respondents saw 32 of 77 exit objectives for medical students as essential. These objectives included general clinical, cognitive, and interpersonal skills. Objectives relating to diagnosis and management of specific conditions were deemed useful but not essential at the undergraduate…

Describes the use of writing to increase the effectiveness of student groupings and the use of cooperative learning to enhance students' mathematical writing. Also discusses how to use cooperative learning and writing to help students learn from assessment instruments. Includes excerpts from student journals and 16 references. (MKR)

Investigates the use of computer conferencing in a second-language context with five English-for-Academic-Purposes students for the purposes of conducting discussions and introducing the students to writing as a process. Students dominated during discussions and received increased commentary on their writing; although the technology did not cause…

Maintains that technology and school reform are two educational bandwagons that promise to improve education. Recommends the use of constructivist classroom environments to encourage student video productions and strengthen democratic institutions through an informed citizenry. (CFR)

A study of satisfaction among approximately 600 international graduate students at 1 university focused on academic program, academic appointment, and nonacademic social relationships. Analysis revealed academic satisfaction was most strongly related to contact with U.S. students, language skills, and perceived discrimination. Social satisfaction…