Outlines several historical cases that can be used to illustrate and teach paradoxical concepts concerning democracy. For example, can an "undemocratic" action be correct (the Louisiana Purchase)? The combination of historical incident and controversy provokes a lively and challenging discussion of democratic principles. (MJP)

Recounts a series of primary grade-level literacy-related activities using Margaret Miller's, "Who Uses This?" The book features the occupational tools of various professions and the activities emphasize word construction and recognition, problem solving, shared reading, and interactive writing. Includes a nine-item selected bibliography. (MJP)

Reviews the value of topic work with regard to the British National Curriculum guidelines on curriculum planning. After years of concentrating on issues of content in planning, consideration of basic aims and values in education is again urged. Topic work allows teachers to teach in depth areas of personal expertise and interest in a local…

Discusses how to prepare teachers to use educational technology and how to affect their attitudes toward change. Technology in public schools in Indiana is examined, and the international Long Distance Learning Network Project (LDLN), which was designed to determine the effectiveness of long-distance learning in elementary and secondary schools,…

Elaborates on specific ways that the National Standards can improve high school civics education. Suggests three interrelated key approaches: adapting the standards to current textbooks, making the course practical for each individual student, and utilizing activities to involve the whole class. (MJP)

Describes a project-based distance learning course design in an open university course. Discusses approaches to course design in distance learning and suggests that students are not as easily manipulated by instructional devices as course designers may think. (CFR)

Maintains that community enterprise projects help students develop academic, personal, and transferable skills, while enabling underfunded not-for-profit groups to achieve some of their goals. Provides several examples of programs and suggests methods of improvement. (MJP)

Describes an innovative Japanese elementary school foreign language (FLES) program introduced at the Laboratory School of the University of Pittsburgh. Lessons focused on thematic vocabulary presented within a context, a language function associated with the context, and some attention to the grammatical or syntactic structure necessary for…

Reports development and results of the Kramer Project, a two-year study of the implementation of a problem-solving, activity-based mathematics program in the elementary grades. Describes the mathematical content covered, participating teachers, instructional materials employed, inservice teacher training provided, and academic achievement gains of…

Targets key areas in need of reform in the Soviet educational system: (1) career guidance for students in line with social production needs; (2) greater parent-teacher cooperation; (3) student self-government and decision-making power in schools; and (4) creative teaching methods. Notes how bureaucratic resistance to change has hampered reform…

Analyzes one of Henry Ward Beecher's sermons to teach about the northern antislavery movement between 1830 and 1860 and to illustrate how sermons can be used as primary source documents. Provides six field-tested guidelines developed from an introductory U.S. history survey course to explain how students analyzed the sermon, held discussion, and…

Metropolitan State University (Minnesota), intended to serve largely mature community college transfer students in the inner city, gives students responsibility for planning their own individualized course of studies, with a competence-based focus. Community-based faculty, classrooms, and library resources are essential elements. (Author/MSE)

Presents results of a 1989 national survey of computer use in over 600 schools in England. Identifies changes that have taken place in computer use over a four-year period and the factors contributing to the change. Discusses findings regarding computer hardware and software. Offers recommendations for improved use of computers in education.…

Proposes combining productive labor of students and classroom instruction in a unified labor school system in the Soviet Union. Sees this educational reform as necessary for Soviet economic development. Identifies research needs and advocates establishing research centers specifically to initiate and organize this proposed integration. (CH)

Argues that a virtual field trip can complement and enhance a real one. Discusses the benefits and pitfalls of both types of field trips. Outlines a series of student and teacher activities combining an actual field trip and a virtual one to Fort Snelling in St. Paul, Minnesota. (MJP)