Reports on the use of a non-traditional approach to constructing a geological timeline that allows students to manipulate data, explore their understanding, and confront misconceptions. Lists possible steps to use in engaging students in this constructivist activity. (DDR)

Describes two variations of an air sampler and analyzer that are inexpensive to construct, easy to operate, and designed to be used in an educational program. Variations use vacuum cleaners and aquarium pumps, and white facial tissues serve as filters. Samples of air pollution obtained by this method may be used from early grade school to advanced…

Using an ethnographic perspective, examined how three middle school teachers learned to use technology in the context of a laptop computer program. Shows how the laptops were a catalyst that enabled one participant, who had been dissatisfied with teacher-centered practices, to transform her classroom through collaborative student work and…

An overview is provided of the President's Commission on Excellence in Special Education's report. Four recommendations are discussed: focus on results not on process; embrace a model of prevention not a model of failure; consider children with disabilities as general education children first; and target funds for direct services. (Contains 5…

A quiet revolution is underway in six North Carolina schools involved in Project Design--an innovative school restructuring process that is developmental, reasonable, professional, and educationally relevant. The voluntary program features multiple changes in the distribution of time, work responsibilities, decision authority, status, students,…

Uses imaginary tools to create distributions of sample means, the differences among them, the mean difference scores, and the raw score populations. Using this technique helps students grasp the distinctions between them. Generalizes to hypothesis testing aids in answering probability questions, and enhances teaching techniques. (Author/NL)

Freedom of educational choice has existed for over 85 years in the Netherlands. Despite the system's excellent quality, it is expensive and features a relatively uniform curriculum. The Dutch experience suggests that choice will not result in an open, competitive market in education, because professional, political, and public interests will…

Offers an overview of school related practical learning projects. Describes the format, the forms of activity, the topics, the institutional contexts of approximately 100 projects, and some special projects aimed at broadening the work of the schools. (GEA)

Describes the efforts in the USSR since 1984 to develop universal vocational education. Discusses the motivation for this goal and notes that this changeover in education constitutes a major socio-economic task. Links vocational training with general secondary education, reviews the need for modernization of vocational education, and provides…

Focuses upon two reform movements in mathematics education in the twentieth century. Analyzes reform movements of the 1900s and the 1960s to determine common factors which led to their collapse. Urges the acceptance of different trends in today's mathematics education programs. (KO)

This article reports on a research and innovation-based approach to inservice training for special education in Norway, with particular focus on vocational education. A school innovation project on adapted education is described, with particular attention given to the role of evaluation in this project. (IAH)

A discussion of innovation in European higher education looks at governmental strategies toward higher education, instruments government uses to influence higher education, fundamental characteristics of higher education institutions, the literature on innovation in higher education, and the relationship between governmental efforts and the…

Presents various ideas and suggestions for day care directors. These include reasons for executive failure; profiles of communicator effectiveness; ideas for retaining donor gifts; descriptions of qualities of outstanding consultants; and suggestions for using power effectively and holding effective staff meetings. (BB)

This paper presents the traditional public school as a multiheaded turtle in a shell of established procedure suspended by public patronage over a boiling cauldron of threat and uncertainty, hoping to avoid swinging cleavers of changing socioeconomic conditions. Leadership by creative, proactive administrators who can utilize vision,…

Tells the story of two schools involved in an education reform initiative in a large, urban district. Argues that teachers who see themselves as learners create a supportive environment and are much better prepared for the massive challenges, the continual setbacks, and the incremental successes that enduring educational reform entails. (SR)