Reviews concepts and practices in the enhancement of peer relationships among young children in the context of play experiences with particular emphasis upon the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. Examines definitions and typical developmental patterns of social competence and offers some best-practice guidelines based on…

Reviews qualitative (historical and ethnographic) studies of education in Japan that advance a general understanding of educational theory and practice. Japan, which is neither an educational paradise nor an examination hell, is the source of much data of value to educational research in the United States. (SLD)

Claims there is a disturbing trend for early care and education toward imitating formal school. Advises programs not to subdue the learning strengths children possess, such as active bodies and inquiring minds. Recommends rethinking of use of space and time (by assessing the room from a child's point of view and analyzing schedules) and…

Explores the development and status of Earth Science Education in Israel and England and Wales. Finds that, despite separate traditions for education in the Earth Sciences, there are a surprisingly large number of commonalities between current trends in each of the countries in the study, and each has had difficulty determining what constitutes an…

Includes discussions and examples of student work in three fields of science: earth science, life science, and physical science. Discusses classroom practices and student attitudes and beliefs about science using data from the 1996 National Assessment of Educational Progress. (SLD)

Analyzes provincial curriculum guidelines to determine the extent to which they feature inquiry as a teaching and learning strategy. Compares the analysis with results of a survey of student teachers to determine to what degree inquiry is being taught in schools across Ontario (Canada). Makes proposals for improving education in inquiry methods.…

Examines gender discrimination in middle schools and its societal and familial expressions. Discusses gender-discriminatory school policies and classroom practices. Maintains that the most profound effect of gender discrimination occurs during middle school years, that teachers need to become aware of their bias and take corrective action, and…

Reviews current issues that affect the education of students with emotional and behavioral disorders. Discusses best-practice methods by educators; student placement, including increased reliance on alternative schools and other nontraditional settings; and job expectations and working conditions of teachers who work with troubled students.…

This response to McWilliams (EC 623 401) concerning controversial early intervention practices with young children with disabilities recounts the authors' involvement with programs originally considered controversial but now generally accepted. It notes that controversial practices that merit review and study and those that are hopelessly flawed…

Discusses the reasons for the gap between educational research and educational practice and suggests how research and practice may be bridged. An example is provided of researchers and educators working together to implement Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies using a three-stage process of pilot research, formal evaluation, and scaling up.…

Examines the problem of increasing reliance upon part-time faculty. Looks at the implications and considers a number of issues relating to employment of part-time faculty. Discusses six practices used to deal with part-time faculty: recruiting, selecting, orienting, staff development, evaluation, and integration. Effective communication is key in…

Maintains that, despite common criticisms of the American school system from politicians and business, schools are generally serving constituents' needs well. Suggests that attacks on the school system appear excessive and maintains that motivations beyond enhancing achievement must drive the enthusiasm for raising standards in American schools.…

Discusses the prevalence of service learning, growing public support, definitions, quality standards, and salutary research evidence. Service learning positively influences students' personal and interpersonal development, lifestyle choices, appreciation for cultural diversity, sense of civic and social responsibility, motivation, attendance,…

A survey of 62 Idaho teachers of gifted students focused on the teachers' daily practices in organizing the curriculum experiences of their students. Teachers reported they used a variety of curriculum/teaching models and program options. More teachers used Creative Problem Solving than any other single program. Service delivery was most often a…

Describes and asserts that some of the foundational principles of education of the last century are likely to be transformed or abandoned, including: complete separation of the family from the educational process; pupil as a normal, passive, and standardized learner; nearly complete isolation of the school from other public communities; free and…