Contends that the Commission on Graduate Education in Economics report addresses issues related to doctoral programs but does not provide information on master's degree programs. Reports on a study of 123 colleges offering master's degrees in economics. Finds a surprising lack of variation among the programs. (CFR)

The purpose of the study was to identify external and internal influences that affected the decision making of four secondary teachers regarding the content of a family living course and to describe their decision-making strategies. Because the course had been shortened and a new textbook and new state guidelines had been received, the teachers…

Reports on a survey of school administrators and teachers regarding the relationship between the status of elementary social studies and the goal of personal development for the greater good of society. Finds that competition for resources, low student interest, and an uneven curriculum have pushed social studies to the background. (CFR)

Maintains that, to write meaningful history, historians work implicitly with criteria of historical significance. Reports on a study of 14 10th-grade students' opinions about the significance of historical events. Concludes that attention to students' understanding of historical significance would enhance the teaching and learning. (CFR)

Examines the divide between high school students' perceptions of historical inquiry and those articulated in current proposals for curricular and instructional reform. Concludes that successful reform requires instruction that shifts the locus of authority from the teacher and text to a shared process of critical inquiry. (CFR)

Asserts that history for primary-level children should be organized around key ideas that characterize the field of history. Maintains that such everyday concepts such as time, change, the continuity of human life, and the past can be taught to young children and can be used as a foundation for later historical thinking. (CFR)

Reviews recent literature concerning subject choice and curriculum planning. Charts a centrist course between classical humanist ideology and radical reform that would place all power in the hands of students. Maintains that young people need a balanced mix of guidance and freedom. (MJP)

Asserts that the common perception of homeless children is that they are physically and psychologically impaired by their living circumstances and unable to function effectively in schools. Reports on a case study of efforts to educationally motivate homeless children. Discusses the implications for children's motivation. (CFR)

Describes the structure and philosophy of the National History Curriculum in England, which went into effect in September 1991. Argues that its mechanistic approach and assessment program has little to do with realities of the classroom or students' historical understanding. Presents an alternative method for assessing students' historical…

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)