The grade improvement program "Where There's a Will There's an A" was evaluated with 36 experimental and 37 control group undergraduates. The approach and content of the evaluated materials appear inconsistent with the body of research on academic improvement, and study results do not indicate any improved achievement. (SLD)

Examines the relevance of library and information science (LIS) studies in the United Kingdom for students from developing countries. Reasons for studying in the United Kingdom, relevance of the curriculum, student expectations, and characteristics of successful students are covered; and three approaches to LIS studies for foreign students are…

Discusses issues surrounding the enrollment of students from developing countries in educational programs in the United Kingdom. Student motivation and teacher expectations are examined; and the curriculum, course information packs, foreign students' expectations and perspectives, and tips for studying in the developing world are covered. (two…

A University of Washington medical school study investigated faculty opinions concerning essential clinical skills and students' reports of having been or not been evaluated on them. This form of self-study was found useful for assessing general concerns about the effectiveness of clinical instruction. (MSE)

Asserts that qualitative research methodology represents a fundamental reconceptualization about knowledge, validity, and education. Reviews the history and trends of educational research and argues that it is increasingly legitimate to use qualitative methods. (CFR)

Procedures that could be used to assess progress in instructional programs designed to enhance cognitive skills are reviewed, discussing measures of the following parameters: (1) knowledge acquisition, organization, and structure; (2) problem representation; (3) mental models; (4) metacognitive skills; (5) automaticity of performance; and (6)…

The relationship between drama in education and program evaluation is explored through the evaluation of an elementary school drama program. The compromise approach presents evaluation as a complex adaptation of an innovation or growth profile. The report contains enough hard data to be useful for policymakers but is rich in information…

Reports results of a study of curriculum continuity across the primary/secondary divide in one subject, history, in light of the British National Curriculum's supposed resolution of the problem. Includes findings indicating that teachers continue to define the divide as a problem, and that there are instructional inconsistencies across and within…

Finds that, in comparing secondary education in different countries, two main systems are apparent: "sponsored mobility" and "competitive mobility." States that Brazil, in its recent history, has moved from sponsored to competitive mobility. Explores some of the lessons learned during this process and examines their…

Reports initial findings of a small-scale research project investigating how school governing bodies contribute to school improvement. Examines the extent of board members' assumption of responsibility for monitoring and evaluating curriculum and school performance. Discusses possible tensions created by a lay body undertaking educational…

Explains the criterion-referenced assessments in an educational context that aim to give information about valued educational outcomes. Traces the ways criterion referencing has been applied in the course of its 30 year history. Discusses a framework for the analysis of criterion-referenced approaches and applies the framework to the National…

Examines the benefits of introducing finite element methods into the curriculum of undergraduate courses. Analyzes the structure of the computer-assisted-design module and the extent to which it fulfills its main objectives. Discusses the efficiency of modern teaching and learning techniques used to develop skills for solving engineering problems;…

Compares the 1989 National Curriculum implemented in Great Britain with the National Agenda for Curriculum Reform in Australia. Reports some of the concerns about early childhood education (heavily subject-dominated curriculum and formalized assessment) the curriculum caused in Britain. Urges Australian educators to learn from Britain's experience…

This case study of a teacher who engaged his students in inquiry within a technologically rich classroom was conducted over 5 weeks, including 15 regularly scheduled classes. Data include extensive teacher interviews, e-mail, and artifacts such as class notes, curriculum guides, and handouts. A retrospective analysis methodology was utilized to…

The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) and the Further Education National Training Organisation (FENTO) developed new subject specifications for teachers of adult literacy and numeracy (DfES and FENTO, 2002). These were designed "to ensure that ... all new teachers of adult literacy and numeracy are equipped with the appropriate and…