Current policy in England, informed by a version of cognitive science, enforces an absolute distinction between experts and novices, or teachers and learners; from this binary, operating in tandem with regimes of performativity instantiated in a curriculum shaped by high-stakes testing, are derived particular forms of pedagogy and particular…

To help elementary school social students understand how a government works, the article describes an activity which requires a combination of government-related knowledge and procedural skills. The activity focuses on citizenship decision making and includes a mock presidential election. (DB)

A teacher gives insight into the benefits of teaching a combination class. Students of different levels learn to think of themselves as multilevel people, sometimes helping their peers, other times receiving help. Suggestions for planning for two different levels are offered. (DF)

Discusses need for development of keyboarding skills at the elementary school level; issues to be addressed when developing keyboarding curricula (criterion for competence, how much is necessary, time needed, who should teach and how); and program considerations (hardware, curriculum, principles of instruction, instructional periods, classroom or…

Despite some fears that small schools would have difficulty implementing the British National Curriculum, findings from 50 schools (9 with fewer than 100 students) show that small schools may provide greater opportunities for innovative curriculum and class organization and strong curricular leadership from headmasters who teach. (SK)

A new definition of teaching must replace traditional modes of instruction. Intellectual growth is best encouraged by assisting, rather than assessing, student performance. Classrooms must be settings which maximize opportunities for participation and conversation. Definitions and practical applications are given for Vygotsky's term "zone of…

Considers the relationship between business studies and economics. States that economics is the foundation for business studies and that the abstract theories of economics have a place in the business studies syllabus. Provides an outline for a business studies syllabus. (GG)

Describes some of the educational work among Vietnamese refugees which is being done in England, and the problems which exist. Considerations include transient populations, variations in knowledge of the English language, child care, a large age range, and scheduling class time aroung other duties. (CT)

Remarkably versatile and demonstrated as effective at all grade levels, the discussion method has great potential for classroom teaching. Teachers should use this method more often because it teaches students to speak freely, listen to others, analyze different points of view, and evaluate the effectiveness of a discussion. (CMJ)

Uses a diary format to describe the author's development as a teacher between May 1982 and Spring 1993, focusing on personal experiences affecting her delivery of composition and literature courses. Describes the author's shift from a text-centered to a student-centered curriculum and efforts to include women writers in the curriculum. Includes…

Explores the use of cluster programs as alternatives to the curricular core or distributional requirements for organizing general education. Uses a case study methodology to evaluate the planning processes utilized in curriculum development for a cluster program, where faculty must plan simultaneously at individual course, cluster or sequence, and…

Outlines six classroom strategies used in a mainstreamed high school biology course and describes some of the changes Catholic University is making through a dean's grant to integrate preparation for mainstreaming into its preservice teacher education program. (SJL)

The use of alternative instructional strategies and resources to meet the learning needs of individual students incorporates the diagnosis of student learning progress, the teaching of self-management skills, organizational supports, and family involvement into an effective educational program. (JN)

Meta-analytic reviews have shown that gifted students gain little from programs of minimal instructional modification (multilevel classes), more from greater modifications (cross-grade and within-class programs) and the most from those involving the greatest amount of curricular adjustment (enrichment and acceleration). (Author/DB)

To be effective, a teacher should sell himself/herself before selling ideas, be genuine, make learning relevant, practice goal setting, invite in outside lecturers, provide an orderly classroom setting, dress appropriately and maintain rapport, and make the most effective use of visual aids. (LRA)