Argues that use of theme-based curricula for preschool children is developmentally appropriate, provides an integrated approach to teaching and learning, enhances learning, and yields high levels of achievement. Provides supporting data from brain research and learning psychology. Includes a sample thematic unit and guidance for creating thematic…

Examines the theoretical base of New Brunswick's recent social studies curriculum reform. New Brunswick defines its curriculum in terms of understandings, competencies, and dispositions (emphasizing independent, creative, and critical learning). Expounds on social studies that is meaningful, integrative, value-based, challenging, and active. (MJP)

Discusses how teachers can offer an inclusive setting for personal and academic growth by orchestrating group work to engage and develop unique learners. The article emphasizes that a focused whole-group discussion of working preferences affirms the presence and validity of diverse styles and maximizes the climate for learning in the classroom.…

This article discusses the affective needs of gifted students and provides information about what counselors can offer to gifted adolescents and their teachers, including affective curriculum, training in active listening, and co-facilitation of discussion groups. Other strategies for addressing social and emotional concerns in programs are also…

The Growing Giftedness Model for teaching gifted students is presented, which includes the following features: identification that relies entirely on scores and on demonstrated performance; cluster grouping during elementary school and classes dominated by gifted students at the secondary level; acceleration and enrichment; creative expression…

Focuses on the assessment of writing skills of incoming English-as-a-Second-Language college students in the United States and Canada. The article discusses the traditional impromptu essay and its alternatives, portfolio assessment and the Undergraduate Academic Writing Assessment (UAWA). The UAWA reveals students' previously unknown strengths and…

Deals with the vulnerable position of nursery education in 1990s Britain, given the changing nature of the family in society and particularly in view of nursery education's weakly articulated justification in the face of government intervention in education. Discusses current standards of evaluation (OFSTED inspections) and achievement and the…

Reports results of a study of internationalization practices of Japanese four-year colleges and universities with majors in humanities, social sciences, and education. Sketches Japan's policy concerning internationalization and its translation into higher education practice in the areas of numbers of students involved, program types, program…

Highlights the importance of outdoor play as a space for active learning, discovery, and development of motor skills. Provides suggestions for creating an outdoor curriculum, including how to get started, important materials, and activity ideas. Encourages teachers and caregivers to devote plenty of time and energy to outdoor learning. (SD)

Presents the Self-Actualization and Interdependence (SAI) model for teaching gifted students. The SAI model is a nongraded approach that groups children according to a age, class dynamics, relationship to teachers, and special interests and abilities. The curriculum aspects of the model are described. (CR)

A study found that while graduate social work students regard the licensing examination as important to their future and the profession, faculty take the exam into consideration only for advisement, are unfamiliar with its content, and disregard it in curriculum development. (Author/MSE)

Examines technology as a social process by exploring social and ethical questions raised by the exploration of technological inventions. Discusses how society channels the work of scientists and engineers through institutions characteristic of society. Includes daily assignments and exam questions. (MVL)

Focuses on the intellectual and political forces that have influenced man's relationship with the environment. Discusses why the use of the environment has occurred as it has, and who benefited from these choices. Concludes with a look at global deforestation. Includes daily assignments and readings. (MVL)

Compares two engineering education reports which urge the following needs and emphases: attract and retain minorities, retain students already in engineering school, and allow students to enter the engineering program at various levels. Criticizes the Office of Technology Assessment's report and supplies prescriptions for the future. (MVL)

Defines and introduces four language planning terms (status planning, corpus planning, policy planning, and language cultivation) into the English for Specific Purposes (ESP) literature. The utility of these terms as descriptors for the language teaching problem-solving process is exemplified with reference to two language problems encountered by…