A new look at the standard lecture/discussion format for the large introductory college course is offered, along with suggestions to upgrade its quality. Foci for improvement include organization of lecture material, teacher-student interaction, lecture delivery, feedback, discussion group supervision, and course evaluation. (JMD)

This case study of the Toronto Board of Education's secondary system thoroughly analyzes barriers to implementing antiracist education in a large, ethnically diverse education district. Findings highlight implementation difficulties, including poor leadership, lack of minorities in key positions, informal resistance, and decentralized decision…

Analyzes data from the 1988 National Educational Longitudinal Study, which suggests that school policies and practices can reduce or exacerbate learning differences among students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Results indicated that schools organized around a communal mission with more holistic assessment fared better than…

Summarizes the global efforts of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to ease poverty and help developing nations to build their capacity for sustainable development. Includes a glossary of poverty and human development terms, a human poverty index ranking for developing countries, and suggested teaching activities. (MJP)

Attempts a comprehensive investigation into the impact of nonconformity on the development of elementary education in Swansea, Wales, between 1851 and 1900. Nonconformity was a dissenting strand of English Protestant theology popular among the working class. Recounts the early efforts of the nonconformists in establishing Sunday schools. (MJP)

A survey of 436 faculty at one university concerning usefulness of student ratings of teaching found little resistance to ratings in general or their use in faculty evaluation. Usefulness of feedback was viewed differentially, with feedback on interaction with students seen as most useful, followed by feedback on grading practices, global ratings…

It is argued that college writing courses can accomplish technical and critical goals and also address politically-charged issues responsibly. The rationale for this approach is discussed, and a University of Texas at Austin composition program designed to include examination of race and gender issues is outlined. Several other writing course…

The role of the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) in defining the field and the curriculum content for graduate study is examined on the occasion of its 25th anniversary. Stressed is the organization's potential future role as the field confronts changing political, social, economic, and technological…

Two documents analyzing the current international situation of higher education are discussed. One, by the World Bank, presents universities, especially public universities, as part of the current problem; the other, by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, views them as providing solutions. Political and…

The origins, changes, and trends in institutional structures within secondary education in Central and Eastern Europe are examined and compared for 14 countries. Issues discussed include formulation of government policies, compulsory school attendance, articulation with elementary and lower secondary education, transition from compulsory education…

Some higher education institutions have involved external constituencies (including public schools, private business and industry, state or federal agencies, and social service and nonprofit organizations) in developing and funding creative public service programs. Such partnerships provide a prime opportunity for an institution to increase its…

Examines concerns expressed by home-schooling parents in the context of guidelines of the World Organization for Early Childhood Education and the Association for Childhood Education International. Connects guidelines to recent literature to suggest effective strategies for meeting parental needs and responding to the diverse responsibilities of…

Discusses increased advocacy for community participation in education. Points out that policies often fail to differentiate between different types of communities. Recognizes that community knowledge bases and motives for supporting education can differ from the governments. Stresses the need for policies to account for diversity of circumstances.…

Examines the efforts of an elementary private school principal to create a motivating school climate. Discusses four ecological principles: (1) the development of activities that recognize individuality and demand involvement and adaptation; (2) the expansion of resources to the whole school community; (3) the interdependence of activities at each…

A British national study of the university research enterprise in 1995-96 assessed the impact of a 1992 change in higher education policy to restructure the entire higher education system. The study investigated impact at the system, institution, unit, and individual levels, in the areas of research policy and strategy, structures, and processes.…