Advocates a broader and more flexible conceptualization of the Canadian social studies curriculum, emphasizing thematic and interdisciplinary approaches rather than chronology and topics. Praises the reflective inquiry teaching model that adopts a learner-centered approach. Compares social studies to other curricula in an attempt to discover a new…

Describes a pilot project that implemented and tested an interactive system of multimedia computer learning modules for an introductory human geography course. The project used a sequential learning process moving from initial concepts, to collaborative writing, and on to geographical analyses by the students. Includes assignment examples, system…

Criticizes recent educational and sociological literature for its optimistic assessment of family-school programs. Maintains that these studies fail to address observable differences in parents' educational skills, occupational and economic flexibility, social networks, and positions of power. Illustrates these problems with examples from an…

Provides an overview of the criticism leveled at the use of Total Quality Management (TQM) in teaching economics. Proposes an alternative use of TQM that relies more on traditional student-teacher interaction. The alternative TQM uses quality circles, one-minute papers, and quality check sheets. (MJP)

Outlines 11 principles to guide schools as they plan their character education programs. These include a definition of character, developing the school as a caring community, a comprehensive and intentional approach to developing good character, and the relationship between character education and the academic curriculum. (MJP)

Describes the postcourse evaluation of an INSET program for Japanese secondary teachers of English as a Second Language (ESL), which found that the course's communicative approach was not implemented universally. The article suggests that differences between British and Japanese traditions may cause a reluctance to innovate and that INSET courses…

Dramatic changes in the discipline of international finance are examined, including trends in textbooks, journals, and conferences, and their implications for professional business education are discussed. Also discussed are new approaches to teaching, including a group-based learning approach and innovative uses of information sources that may…

Co-location of the Flinders University of South Australia medical school and teaching hospital allows patient care, teaching, and research under one roof. This and a curriculum oriented to patient care from the outset have created a model program. A four-year graduate-entry admission program, rural and remote teaching programs, and attention to…

Examines the use of technology under two different contexts: university courses for future middle school teachers, and middle school classrooms. Emphasizes the need for young adolescents to become technologically literate. Discusses different programs to help middle school students learn how to use technology, and at the same time helping them…

In a doctoral pharmacy course, student pairs were assigned presentations on topics related to specific anemias or blood disorders, and given one-and-a-half hours to present the material, with posters as visual aids, and to answer questions. The method is seen as promoting active learning, critical thinking, and professional presentation skills,…

The Valley City State University (North Dakota) Center for Innovation in Instruction serves the entire state as an educational, informational, and support center for use of emerging technologies in education. The center supports instructional innovation, provides professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators, promotes…

Describes a cooperative effort between academics and content area specialists to create a more student-oriented curriculum. Uses classroom observations, artifacts, field notes, dialog sessions, and surveys to document reactions to this change. Initial reception from the students proved very positive. Teacher intransigence was overcome later. (MJP)

Outlines a dozen alternative formats for oral book reports that can turn this often boring ritual into an engaging learning experience. These creative formats emphasize the inherently important concepts of the books and build in listener accountability through authentic assessment. The formats include creating comic books, mock trials, and…

Provides summary reports of 81 innovative approaches to medical education in the areas of program management and assessment, admission and student-support programs, computer applications, preclinical and clinical course integration, development of professional skills and values, introduction to clinical medicine, community-based experiences,…

Varying levels of inservice training and support in use of classwide peer tutoring (CWPT) were provided for 44 elementary teachers whose classes included students with learning disabilities. Analysis of teachers' survey responses, teachers' classroom observations, and interviews of six implementors indicated that level of support did not…