Using the process of situational learning effectively we develop the capacity to discover who and what we are. This technique affords us the opportunity to explore how we were conditioned into the patterns and habits that now compose our being. (Author)

Discusses the particular context of policy system and adaptation when perceived as politicized phenomena, describes a macro policy system--those responsible for the university and college preparation of educational administrators--under stress conditions, and speculates on the "natural" process of adaptation that occurs within this policy context.…

The Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center--the MET--is a multimillion-dollar Rhode Island effort to emphasize learning in real-world situations. Internships have become the torque that drives each student's education plan, focusing on higher level skills rather than on skills specific to a certain trade. (MLF)

Profiles a midwestern college that uses innovative techniques to educate students. Highlights the importance of performance, feedback, self-assessment, competing against oneself, organizational makeup, and assessment strategies. Outlines eight abilities, such as communication, analysis, problem solving, and social interaction, that all students…

Deborah Meier, renowned educator in the forefront of education reform, discusses her vision for education and describes the Central Park East Elementary and Secondary Schools in New York, which she founded. She discusses work-based learning, career exploration, liberal arts, vocational education, and curriculum integration among other topics. (JOW)

Presents reflections of six primary school teachers and their principal on the growth of their literacy program based on whole language principles; and their professional development as teachers of young children. Discusses a nurturing environment, changes in their literacy program, strategies for success, and future goals. (SR)

The United Kingdom's technology education curriculum was distorted by political imperatives and a philosophy that has no empirical verification. Top-down implementation has led to a random approach, inflated claims for technology education, and neglect of a deeper understanding of technology. (SK)

Collaborative teaching, wherein teachers trade classes for a determined period of time, is discussed and the benefits to gifted children explored. Trading classrooms allows teachers to share insights and fosters enthusiasm and teacher confidence. Benefits to gifted students include exposure to a variety of teaching styles and content. Successful…

Sponsored by Guatemala City's innovative Childhope/Pennat program, 30 teachers coach working children under trees in the park, in the streets next to their stalls, and in small, makeshift "mercado classrooms." Children learn how to do simple math, read official documents, understand their country's history, and manage a small business.…

Describes the revised portfolio assessment process implemented for Dallas (Texas) Chapter 1 students and reviews the literature on teacher adjustments to innovations. Describes a study of Dallas teachers' perspectives on the benefits and difficulties they encountered in implementing portfolio assessment in primary grades. Teachers passed through…

One of the major inventions of modern education is the instructional use of "Anschauung," an experience-based learning technique that was influential both as a method of instruction (more effective than mere book-learning and rote memorization) and as a rejection of old social arrangements that inculcated traditional values through deductive and…

Provides perspectives of an eighth grade teacher and her students on the use and perceived benefits of laptops. Describes how the laptops have changed the class. Presents the students' views of how technology has affected their learning in English class, as well as in content areas. (PM)

Describes a theory referred to as Open Space Technology (OST), which holds that the most productive learning in conference settings takes place in the open space between formally scheduled conference sessions. Argues that OST can be applied to staff development days and other educational development programs. (Contains 10 references.) (NB)

The executive director of the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association offers seven steps to "shore up" school administrators' leadership skills. States that mobilizing people to tackle tough problems is what good leaders do. (Contains 10 references.) (MLF)

Discusses the results of two studies comparing charters schools with traditional schools. Both studies suggest that charter schools are more successful in retaining better teachers than are traditional schools. Finds, for example, charter schools are much more likely than traditional public schools to employ teachers who lack regular state…