Three optometric educators provide separate perspectives on how and why to increase the amount of clinical experience in the optometry program, addressing such issues as how many patient encounters are enough to provide adequate training, salient factors in clinical experience outside patient encounter numbers (facilities and equipment, preceptor,…

Examines forces that shape the design of assessment systems for teachers and some inherent contradictions with regard to curriculum and assessment. Proposes a system of assessment that is continuous, dynamic, and principled and does not remove from teachers the responsibility of defining what is important to student learning. (SD)

Examines the growing use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the business world and the challenges and opportunities that presents for geography educators. Discusses issues relevant to both increased business usage and curriculum design. Recommends increased participation in business instruction for geographers. (MJP)

Portrays the current social studies curriculum reform in British Columbia as a process hampered by disagreements over the input and participation of teachers. Charts the deterioration of this process culminating in the British Columbia Social Studies Teachers' Association's withdrawal from the process. (MJP)

Argues that from the perspective of second language learning, college teachers should focus on an integrated undergraduate curriculum combining the teaching of linguistics and literature with language learning in an instructional approach informed by second language acquisition research. Emphasizes that multiple benefits are derived from a…

Defines and distinguishes three large dimensions of culture in relation to schools for young children. Introduces early childhood education's place in the Spanish educational system and the cultural contents that help children develop values and multicultural awareness. Details Spanish educational concepts and the ways in which Spanish teachers…

Describes factors influencing growth in demand for English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) instruction in German higher education since 1989, and describes how Dresden University has designed a curriculum to meet the need. The Dresden program includes courses in generic scientific English required in a number of disciplines, elective English courses…

Examines the catalog descriptions of 42 undergraduate psychology programs in North Carolina. Reveals that minimum introductory and methodological requirements consists of one-term introductory, statistics, and experimental design courses. A required integrated experience was most often a history and systems course or senior seminar. This is…

An experiment in English-as-a-Second-Language pedagogy in a South African university's teacher education program looked at the effects of students' participation in construction of the course syllabus. Results are discussed from three perspectives: learning theory; the culture of learning; and cognitive style. The metaphor of mental…

This article discusses interdisciplinary thematic units in the context of special and general education curricula and ways that technology can be used to enhance interdisciplinary thematic units. Examples of curriculum integration activities enhanced by technology are provided in the context of productivity tools, presentation/multimedia tools,…

This article reassesses the contribution of the Plowden Report (1967) to educational thinking in the United Kingdom. It discusses how the report was scapegoated by politicians advocating a performance-led approach and suggests the report, which advocated a holistic, child-centered educational approach, has much to contribute to present educational…

The American Association of Dental Schools' guidelines for curriculum design explain the scope of physical evaluation and its interrelationships with other fields, give an overview of the curriculum, and outline suggested primary educational goals, prerequisites, core content, specific behavioral objectives, sequencing, faculty and facility…

Contends that few educational issues rival the California Learning Assessment System (CLAS) for comment, controversy, and confrontation. Defines the CLAS test and discusses its characteristics, anticipated student responses, and scoring procedures. Outlines four implications for instructional methods. (CFR)

To initiate a campuswide restructuring process, governing boards should begin by asking some fundamental questions about the institution concerning what and how students should learn, equitable faculty teaching load, quality and definition of research, and the role of tenure in promoting institutional mission. Barriers in the process of…

Two college educators offer their personal stories of adopting technology for college teaching in different disciplinary contexts (a physics course for nonmajors and a design course for interior designers and architects), and the process of redesigning curricula, rethinking instructional techniques, and revising student assessment accordingly.…