Presents the three phases of the implementation and operation of the Integrated Information Center (IIC) at the University of Minnesota from 1990-93. Competition between the IIC and information centers at the two schools the IIC was intended to serve--the School of Management and the Institute of Public Affairs--is addressed. (JAK)

Describes how teachers of the gifted can make the study of mathematics dynamic, innovative, and creative through the exploration of problem-solving skills and real-life applications. Math competitions and general academic competitions that include mathematics for elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools are highlighted. (CR)

Describes Controlled-Operation Mechanical Energy Transducers (COMETs), which are part of a project to introduce sophomore chemical engineering students to a number of important engineering concepts that are usually addressed later in the academic program. (DDR)

Successful organizations, even when subjected to competitive pressures, soon become complacent and begin to fail. A strategic planning process that considers the dangers in a strong, shared culture might avert such complacency. Schools should take a wider development view than embodied in the (British) government's preoccupation with exam scores.…

An adolescent aversion to competition helped the reviewer/marathoner appreciate Mariah Burton Nelson's "Embracing Victory: Life Lessons in Competition and Compassion" (Morrow, 1998). Nelson, a former collegiate and professional basketball player, focuses on female athletes' and nonathletes' attitudes about numerous competition-related…

Evaluates the voucher scheme for 4-year olds introduced during 1996 to 1997 in England and Wales. Overall findings suggest that the scheme encouraged unfair competition and "voucher maximizing behavior" in the maintained sector. The scheme failed because the Conservative government attempted to introduce too many market mechanisms into…

Presents three views of community: a panoramic vista of common images, the landscape of community in higher education, and the concept of community in professors' and UCEA members' lives. Distinguishes between incidental and intentional communities and asserts the primacy of diversity, mutual respect, integrity, honesty, listening, and caring. (10…

Discussion of disparities between developed and developing nations and the influence of information technology focuses on the newly industrializing countries of South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan and their development of the information sectors as strategic industries to gain international competitiveness. Topics include information activities,…

A British headteacher ponders a tumultuous decade in school management. The national curriculum was one major problem. There have also been radical, deleterious changes in the ways schools are funded, governed, managed, planned, and inspected; how teachers are educated; and the terms and conditions of teacher employment. Competition for pupils has…

Examined impact of cooperative and competitive games on 4-year-olds' behavior over 6 weeks. Found that more positive behaviors were observed during cooperative games than competitive games, and more negative behaviors were observed during competitive games, but only during the first week of competitive games. Found that teachers' warmth and…

Explores varied special-education policy frameworks currently implemented in England and Scotland and their relationship with procedural fairness and substantive justice. Drawing on post-1993 policy documents, identifies dominant special-education policy needs. Unfortunately, legal and bureaucratic policy frameworks are supplanting traditional…

This interview with three performing master teachers at the Interlochen Arts Academy features personal teaching approaches that develop the problem solving skills that are essential for advanced musical study. A positive master teacher-student dynamic is revealed that nurtures technical facility, as well as interpretive decision-making. The role…

Examined how market forces have affected educational development in Hong Kong and Mainland China, focusing on user charges and the introduction of competition and cost recovery in education. A review of recent research shows that both areas have experienced a reduction in government provision of higher education although the underlying causes have…

Discusses customer service in information centers and how to define it. Topics include the effects of competition, that give customers more choices; defining customers, and defining services; communications; physical environment; change, in customers and in technology; measuring customer service; and evaluating policies and procedures. (LRW)

Describes how the college-preparation program Upward Bound, in a bruising battle with GEAR UP for federal funds, is being closely scrutinized by the Bush administration. (EV)