Portugal, like many other countries, faces obstacles regarding school-based sexuality education. This paper explores Portuguese schools' approaches to implementing sexuality education at a local level, and provides a critical analysis of potential strengths and weaknesses. Documents related to sexuality education in a convenience sample of 89…

In the global higher education sector, government accountability initiatives are increasingly focused on degree-level competencies that may be expected from university graduates. The purpose of this paper was to examine the extent to which SoTL reflects this increased interest in student learning across the degree program. Articles (N = 136)…

This paper focuses on the potential of mental simulation (mentally rehearsing an action to enhance performance) as a useful contemporary educational method. By means of a meta-review, it is examined which conditions impede or facilitate the effectiveness of mental simulation (MS). A computer search was conducted using Ovid PsycINFO. Reviews,…

Described is the concept of Benjamin Bloom's Mastery Learning as a teaching method. The author concludes that, by its very definition, Mastery Learning cannot be superimposed on traditional education. (KC)

This article examines the conflict between literature-based or whole-language approaches to reading/literacy instruction and the direct instruction approach, as used with students having or at risk for learning disabilities. It concludes that each approach is often depicted in an idealized fashion but that, in practice, the approaches overlap and…

This article reviews articles within this special issue on science education for students with disabilities, examining the articles in the context of current activities and resources in science education. Constructivism and alternative assessment techniques are seen as especially noteworthy movements in improving science teaching and learning.…

Critical review of the literature on problem-based learning (PBL) in medical education focuses on: (1) the credibility of claims (both empirical and theoretical) about the ties between PBL and educational outcomes and (2) the magnitude of the effects. Concludes there is no convincing evidence that PBL improves knowledge base and clinical…

The research base on cooperative learning was examined for its applicability to academically talented students. Common types of cooperative learning are described with highlights of the model characteristics as they apply to academically talented students. The models include: Teams-Games-Tournament (TGT); Student Teams Achievement Divisions…

The article reviews theoretical and research bases for the design and effects of the adaptive instructional approach for students with special needs in the regular classroom. Research indicates that the program can be implemented in a variety of school settings when supported by systematic staff development and organizational support. (Author/DB)

Explores the idea of critically reflective teaching in general, and in particular, teacher decision-making and classroom assessment. Asserts that in community college settings-the ultimate in diverse, open-entry, mixed-ability classrooms-critical reflection on core assumptions can ground teachers in a moral, intellectual, and political vision of…

This article examines the relevance of whole-language instruction with deaf children and concludes that, although this approach has many values, deaf children often need a more direct approach to acquire English literacy. Educators of the deaf are urged to be wary of adopting general education methods without careful evaluation with deaf students.…

Review of claims for the effectiveness of the gentle teaching philosophy with people having severe problem behaviors and mental retardation finds that the methods were unsuccessful with seven of nine individuals. Although more research is needed, the review suggests that gentle teaching cannot be considered an ethically defensible treatment…

This paper reports on the outcomes of the first in a series of three systematic literature reviews in inclusive education. The aims include establishing what research has been undertaken in the area of effective pedagogical approaches to enable children with special educational needs to be included in mainstream classrooms, synthesising themes in…

Reexamines the extent to which the university serves as an important source of identification for community college faculty. States that although recent studies indicate that the university remains an influential reference group for two-year college faculty, perceptions have changed over the past 25 years. Reports, for instance, that part-time…

Describes various research results on the benefits of cooperative learning. Also addresses the shift of Catholic school education toward cooperative learning, reflecting the civic-minded nature of Catholic doctrine and values. (YKH)