Maintains that the mental "playground" of young people, the field of opportunities where they learn to grow into the person they are uniquely destined to become, has shrunk dramatically. Reflects on three models for youth ministry and religious education that can respond to this phenomenon. (MJP)

Presents a format for assisting educators in translating educational research into classroom interventions. Steps include identifying the problem, seeking a variety of sources, reviewing information, selecting primary sources, distinguishing between theory and opinion, reviewing the parts of a research article, and translating the research into…

Describes what happens when two lead teachers in a statewide reform project try to change science teaching in their schools. Illustrates the importance of patience in reform implementation and the need for sensitive study of early change within school contexts. Includes 24 references. (DDR)

Offers a short history of how one writing center integrated technology into its practices. Relates how the center kept pace with changing times, while maintaining the integrity of its writing-center philosophy of student-directed pedagogy. Describes how its classroom presentations/workshops used technology to extend classroom conversations, to…

Examined the impact of implementation of middle school practices on student achievement in North Dakota schools participating in the Middle Grade School State Policy Initiative. Found that changes in composite grade-equivalent scores from grades six to eight were higher in reading vocabulary, language mechanics, study skills, science, and social…

Although many superintendents remain leery of the charter reform movement, some (in Flagstaff, Arizona; Springfield, Massachusetts; and San Carlos, California), see beyond threats to a districtwide innovation model. Taking charters' lead, Flagstaff opened a magnet school and a full-day kindergarten. Another superintendent chartered his entire…

Considers a number of historical and present-day examples to argue that the founding vision of Science-Technology-Society (STS) education as a collaborative enterprise still offers some valuable lessons about how best to reach students at all levels and the general public. Contains 46 references. (Author/WRM)

This response to McWilliams (EC 623 401) concerning controversial early intervention practices with young children with disabilities recounts the authors' involvement with programs originally considered controversial but now generally accepted. It notes that controversial practices that merit review and study and those that are hopelessly flawed…

School reformers have not been too radical, but have been unable to sustain their reforming energy and innovative thinking. Reformers are not "tinkering toward Utopia," but are relapsing into habit, meandering back into mediocrity. A remarkably coherent tradition of rethinking schooling is yielding to the forces of inertia,…

Discusses the reasons for the gap between educational research and educational practice and suggests how research and practice may be bridged. An example is provided of researchers and educators working together to implement Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies using a three-stage process of pilot research, formal evaluation, and scaling up.…

Discusses the role of departments of family medicine in teaching preventive medicine through required clinical experiences, required nonclinical courses, electives, collaborative interdisciplinary clerkships, and interdisciplinary nonclinical courses. Offers examples of innovative programs at the Universities of Michigan, Wisconsin, Vermont,…

Discusses the applicability of the definition, principles, and underlying strategies of total quality management (TQM) for engineering education. Describes several tools and methods for the implementation of TQM and its suitability for a variety of school activities. Presents a TQM course outline combining lectures, discussions, suggested…

Discusses methods for analyzing case studies of failures of technological systems. Describes two distance learning courses that compare standard models of failure and success with the actuality of given scenarios. Provides teaching and learning materials and information sources for application to aspects of design, manufacture, inspection, use,…

Examines the current status of existing curricula, accreditation requirements, and new developments in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering education in the United States. Discusses the emerging needs of the maritime industry in light of advances in information technology and movement toward risk-based, reliability-centered rule making in the…

Examines the role of constructivism as a philosophy to incorporate technology into the science classroom specific to the parameters of the National Science Education Standards and the National Educational Technology Standards. Concludes that care must be taken to provide for appropriate pedagogical strategies based upon inquiry and discovery…