Reports on a three-year ethnographic study of the visual arts curriculum in three elementary schools. Finds three distinct orientations: (1) the rote, teacher-centered orientation; (2) the open-ended, student-centered orientation; and (3) the higher order, cognitive orientation. (CFR)

Discusses a curriculum design and anthology of Latin readings for high school students developed by a recipient of a National Endowment for the Humanities/Readers' Digest Teacher-Scholar Fellowship. Maintains that correspondence between authors Dorothy Sayers and C.S. Lewis provided inspiration for the anthology development project. (CFR)

Contends that an interdisciplinary curriculum and cooperative learning are well suited to middle school students. Asserts that the approaches help students learn higher order thinking skills and improve social skills. Maintains that authentic or performance-based assessment is appropriate for these techniques and this age group. (CFR)

Continues an article from an earlier issue that reported on a study of memorable social studies activities experienced by college students when they were in elementary schools. Finds that activity-oriented instruction was remembered most positively. (CFR)

Asserts that one of the most important goals of education should be to help students become responsible citizens who want to be informed about contemporary events. Recommends instructional techniques and current event issues to encourage student curiosity and involvement. Includes an annotated listing of teacher resources. (CFR)

Examines reading instruction in the context of Montessori curriculum. Four major areas are explored: (1) goals; (2) identification of landmarks (significant or critical events) in the child's development; (3) enhancement of teachers' responsiveness; and (4) development of relevant skills by creating a supportive physical and psychological…

A survey of 78 deans and directors of graduate programs in social work found that most programs offer course content on marriage counseling or social work with couples. However, less than 40 percent of programs offer a full course in an area that faculty perceive as moderately relevant to all practice settings. (MSE)

Innovative medical school programs discussed include a problem-based, village-centered rural program in the Philippines, a problem-oriented rural program of community medicine in Thailand, a problem-based curriculum in China, and four restructured medical curricula in the United States. Focus is on the results of the changes. (MSE)

A study of curricular features of combined bachelor's-medical degree programs in 28 medical schools since 1961 is presented. Characteristics (length, enrollment, goals, special features) of the programs and changes in broad curricular objectives over the three decades are reported. Methods of integrating premedical and medical education are…

A study of six distinguished clinical teachers in internal medicine investigated how they made rapid instructional decisions in response to each case presentation in teaching rounds. Results indicated these characteristics: substantial planning before rounds; quick, simultaneous diagnosis of patient problems and learners' level of understanding;…

Presents problems encountered by the Curriculum Development Committee in Hong Kong in efforts to reform the sixth-form science curriculum. Examines curricular movements in the United States and United Kingdom. Proposes a Curriculum Inquiry Framework which will conceptualize and broaden science teaching. Contends that science education should be…

Describes several techniques that have been used in a variety of college mathematics classes to shift the classroom experience from instructor-centered to student-centered. Discusses specific applications of these techniques to remedial mathematics, precalculus, liberal arts mathematics, calculus, and geometry classroom settings. (40 references)…

Contends that there is widespread concern that graduate programs in economics do not train students adequately to do economics. Reports that little emphasis is placed on problem-solving skills or creativity. (CFR)

Asserts that the use of creative drama in early childhood education enhances artistic sensitivity, develops self-awareness, and integrates mental and physical activity. Maintains that creative drama is a learning continuum that extends from the beginnings of creative spontaneous play to the production of theater artists. (CFR)

Delineates the foundations of Dmitri Kabalevskii's music curriculum for general education in the Soviet Union. Stresses teaching music as part of life itself. Bases teaching principles and methods on the song, dance, and march, termed "The Three Whales." Offers extensive lesson plans focusing on first grade music activities. (CH)