Suggests that students come to school with an enthusiasm for learning only to discover the confusion and frustration associated with schooling. Proposes that educators must reframe their conceptual understandings and philosophy of the educational process, reduce the use of fear as a student motivator, and work toward eliminating the "bull" or…

Demonstrates how students who are not directly participating in instruction are key contributors to the social construction of literacy knowledge. Argues for a reconceptualization of classroom language and literacy practices from current dyadic-based frameworks to more expanded multi-party participation frameworks allowing for flexible access to…

Discusses two types of research conducted in intensive English programs (IEPs): (1) assigned research, which examines program-wide issues and is often assigned to faculty members by program administrators; and (2) action research, which is research conducted by classroom teachers for the purpose of improving the learning environment. (nine…

Discusses the issue of who owns English from the perspective of non-native Englishes in Southern Africa, with a focus on the linguistic processes underpinning the owning of English there. Suggests that claiming ownership of English in the African context means to make English carry the weight of one's African experience and to alter it to suit its…

Describes a study of 32 University of Transkei (South Africa) freshmen's conceptualization of "limiting reagent," a basic concept in chemistry, based on student responses to two written test questions and clinical interviews. Results indicated that a high percentage of students had misconceptions and could not apply the concept…

Reviews both the proposals and the problems inherent in the concept of decentralization. Examines the motives and methods involved in the current efforts in Trinidad and Tobago and recommends a specific course of action. Notes that these actions are driven more by political motivations than by a desire for educational quality. (MJP)

Describes the evolution of a model, developed by student affairs officials, which outlines a planning process for implementing Total Quality Management. Presents step-by-step instructions for the model's deployment and discusses such issues as transitions, planning forms, goals, and professional and personal growth needs. (RJM)

Addresses the concern that society is raising a generation of children who lack a conscience. Examines the increasing number of youth who are not bonded to caring adults in home, school, church, or community. Explores ways to develop self-discipline and values, the role of society, virtue for delinquents, and altruism in action. (RJM)

This study compared flow of information and peer- and teacher-directed scaffolding evident in whole class discussions during Years 1 and 2 of a middle school mathematics teacher's efforts to change classroom practices. Results showed that in Year 2, the teacher removed herself as the analytic center to invite greater student participation.…

A review of 154 research studies found that mathematics education reform contributed to higher student achievement only when there was substantial implementation of reform. The main obstacle to implementation was teacher beliefs about mathematics teaching. The best method for increasing implementation is sustained inservice teacher education that…

An extended interview with management consultant Peter Senge who proposes that rethinking traditional patterns of leadership and interaction will produce a true learning community, where improvement becomes a lifelong journey. (MLF)

Examines linkages between adult continuing education and rural economic development strategies. Categorizes educational program responses to human capital investment needs of adults, and indicates the economic impact in rural areas of such responses. Discusses social roles as a motivator for educational participation. Contains 29 references. (SV)

Questions activities of the Holmes Group, noting that, if the activities do not result in the exemplification of excellence in teaching and teacher education, the group's claim to leadership is questionable. The criticism claims that the group discourages more fundamental and promising changes in teacher education than it advocates. (SM)

Higher education's future leaders must have clear values, focus on quality, be willing and able to take calculated risks, balance the demands of professional and personal life, balance participation and input against delegation of authority, be motivational specialists, and use time in decision making more carefully than ever. (MSE)

This article identifies reasons for the crisis of Czechoslovak higher education including centralized administration, political screening of personnel, destruction of teachers' research and educational activities, and the perceived decreasing importance of higher education. Also considered is the new Higher Education Act of 1990 involving radical…