This paper investigates the potential relationship of Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) to gesture and second language learning. It is asserted that the ZPD is both a tool and a result, not a tool for result; it is both product and process at the same time. The process of learning a new language/culture in the case of a person who is…

Summarizes the evaluation of a 4-5 week science program for twelve- to thirteen-year old lower ability students. Includes a description of the program, techniques used in the evaluation, and a model for observing student activity during science instruction. (JN)

The planning process, objectives, and procedures used by Duke's chancellor during the retrenchment process are summarized. The emphasis was placed on enhancing the university's strengths while reducing costs and on enlisting faculty support and assistance in the change process. (MSE)

Explores the utility of L. S. Shulman's view of teaching as the transformation of subject matter in the context of a preservice secondary mathematics methods course. The paper elaborates on Shulman's view, discussing the context of the study, then presenting a case study of a seminar on lesson planning. (SM)

Nine brief essays address Spanish enrollments in Spanish courses in colleges and universities, discussing such issues as staffing imbalances, coping with unexpected rising or declining enrollments, enrollment implications in a small college, social and political influences on study of Spanish, enrollment management, and the changing motivations of…

Study investigated faculty recruitment procedures across universities, departments, and sectors (public/private) in Australia, using reports from department heads and job applicants and case studies. Results revealed varied recruitment and selection strategies. Job applicants reported satisfaction with most but identified some areas needing…

Case study reports on the use of language experience and a natural approach to learning languages in a dual-language (Spanish-English) kindergarten class. Descriptions of student writing activities in the classroom illustrate the process of literacy development in the first and second languages. The importance of trained bilingual teachers and…

The San Diego State University (California) Health Careers Opportunity Program for disadvantaged students, most of whom are minorities, has 11 components, each dedicated to some form of educational intervention. The program emphasizes collaborative skills, fosters pride in accomplishment and confidence, and builds analytical and problem-solving…

Presents an analysis of government policy on higher education finance in Kenya, outlines parameters of an appropriate tuition policy (cost recovery, equity, equal access, affordability, student loan program objectives), and provides a model for simulating loan program outcomes. Suggests several proposed policy and administrative reforms concerning…

This study compared the effects of a field-based mathematics methods course and a traditional university-based mathematics methods course on preservice teachers in their development of teaching concepts in elementary mathematics. Case studies of students representative of the two groups indicated significant differences in their teaching concepts.…

An ethnographic study explored cultural belief systems of four-year-olds' families and school staff from Anglo and Bangladeshi families in England. Case study of one child/family illustrates how parental beliefs about childhood, the home, uses and purposes of literacy, and children's learning influence children's school experience. How data were…

Distinguishes among three aspects of idiomatic meaning: the general meaning, more specific aspects, and connotative aspects. The results of an informal experimental study indicate that the cognitive semantic view can facilitate the learning of idioms for nonnative speakers. (45 references) (Author/CK)

Four articles address rising college tuition: "An Inside Look at How a Private University Sets Tuition Rates and Spends the Money"; "Comparisons of Tuition Rates Raise Tough Policy Questions"; "At Public Colleges, the Tuition Debate Is a Mix of Philosophy and Practicality"; and "Do Federal Loans Encourage Tuition Increases?" Data on undergraduate…

Tracks the trend toward heavy college and university investment in information technology and encouragement of its use for teaching and administration, but notes that the technology's full potential has not been reached. Illustrates the trends with experiences of Voorhees College (South Carolina), a small, historically black liberal arts college,…

Examines how a Canadian beginning teacher-educator transformed his knowledge about teaching in order to assist student teachers to become effective mathematic teachers. Describes how his teaching practice evolved over a three-year period and the strategies he used to structure his course to involve student teachers in constructing their own…