Reports on a study of physics teachers' perceptions of "contexts" and the contextual approach to teaching physics. (Contains 31 references.) (Author/WRM)

Drawing on an evaluation of the Norwegian educational system, this essay views the problems of policy studies and evaluation as related to social and cultural changes that produce ambiguity and uncertainty in the practices of education. Central to the examination is the structuring of educational knowledge. (SLD)

Discusses two programmes for international schools that have emerged in the past several years: the IGCSE and the IB Middle Years Programme. Describes the differences between a two-year programme of discrete subjects undertaken in preparation for externally assessed formal examinations, and the five-year holistic programme which is internally…

Provides a brief sketch of the position Walter Feinberg stakes out in his book, On Higher Ground. Looks at the most central and problematic thesis of Feinberg's book: the "historical debt" argument. Argues from the perspective of someone who generally agrees with the kind of affirmative action policy Feinberg supports, but on different grounds.…

Shows how Kenneth R. Howe's review to the author's book, "On Higher Ground," might be used to advance and clarify the justifications presented for affirmative action. Addresses a few of the concerns with Howe's review and responds to two main criticisms that Howe presents. (VWC)

Examines the role of creative expression in educational practices. Briefly outlines the work of educational leaders, including Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Howard Gardner, and Robert Sternberg, who are proponents of multi-faceted learning and creativity. Considers strategies for educational approaches that involve more creative invention, problem…

Narratives from 10th graders whose first language is Spanish identified strategies that aided their English proficiency: literature-based activities, oral practice, individual help from tutors and aides, peer interaction, and games. What they found ineffective or harmful were having to read aloud in class and being interrupted or corrected when…

Expresses doubts about whether the evidence presented by M. Wang, G. Haertel, and H. Walberg provides robust and consistent findings that could, or should, be used to inform educational policy and practice. Discusses five questions about the methodology of the study, and indicates that basing educational policy on their findings would be merely an…

Explores the role and purpose of research synthesis, and defends the conclusions drawn about school learning. The selection of the broad outcome "school learning" was an attempt to show that educational research and development can answer important questions about schooling. (SLD)

Discusses the author's personal background as it affects her views on early childhood education. Describes her 12 beliefs in praise of developmentally appropriate practice. Beliefs include: (1) the theoretical foundation of developmentally appropriate practice is valid; (2) developmentally appropriate practice encourages academic rigor; and (3)…

Addresses the controversy over teaching evolution in K-12 classrooms. Contends that evolution should be taught in the same way as other scientific theories, as the currently accepted view of the scientific community. (WRM)

Inquires of the significance of an insight into dynamic-unconscious processes in the classroom for an understanding of pedagogical practice. Outlines the difficulties of dealing with "emotional experiences" in school. States that the components of the psycho-analytic method can be applied only in a modified form within the classroom…

Presents a survey on the discussion on the Internet in schools. Shows that the mere availability of new media does not suggest educational innovation. Discusses the steps by which the Internet can develop from a mere issue of equipment into an instrument of educational innovation. (CMK)

Recommends that band directors utilize nontraditional performance literature, or what is often called "contemporary" or "twentieth-century" music. Discusses such issues as the educational benefits involved, what students will learn, and questions to consider when selecting a piece. Provides a selected repertoire of band works with contemporary…

Presents the address of the recipient of the Hans O. Mauksch Award for Distinguished Contributions to Undergraduate Sociology. Focuses on educating for sustainable communities. States that higher education, in particular sociology, must adopt postmodern strategies to educate for survival. (CMK)