This reflection provides an introduction to, and reflection on, the new text "Rethinking Problem-based Learning for the Digital Age" (Savin-Baden and Fraser, 2024). It begins by telling the story and rationale for the creation of the book and then provides an overview of the text of the whole. The next section discusses the purpose of…

This commentary brings additional theoretical perspectives to bear on data and findings presented by Anniken Furberg and Hans Christian Arnseth in their paper on students' meaning making in genetics in collaborative learning activities. The theoretical perspectives converge on the importance of maximizing students' learning in genetics. The…

The authors examine the literacy curriculum of special education classes in the context of how literacy operates in the real world. A junior high school special education class is described as a way of raising basic issues as to the nature of special education literacy curriculum. (MT)

Teachers have far too little scientific training and knowledge to permit them to practice with autonomy. Consequently, teachers are restricted by the imposition of superfluous rules governing students' conduct, behavioral objectives, lesson plans, rigidly scheduled activities and testing programs. If educational practices were based on vast…

Suggests activities that allow three- to eight-year-old children to experience science in their everyday world. Science experiences can spin off into art, music, mathematics, literature, and other areas of the early childhood curriculum. (BB)

Maintains that teachers trained to nurture children and to educate the whole child successfully integrate handicapped children into a classroom with other normally developing children. (Author/DB)

Native education's linguistic and cultural content is effective only using traditional cultural values concerning ways of using language, interacting, and knowing. Brokerage between native and school learning processes emerges in the new role of native educator. Language and cultural inclusion lead to a broad cultural base in native Canadian…

The SEE research team found that teacher education programs were uniform and lacked sound theoretical rationale. The curriculum must be completely redesigned to prepare truly educated teachers who accept stewardship of schools as democratic institutions, approach their work reflectively, and possess the skills and attitudes to further educational…

The author considers the role of the school, the teacher, and the curriculum in socializing children to our heterogeneous society. She outlines the "planned variation" curriculum design of Head Start and Follow Through to illustrate how differing social perspectives lead to the creation of different early curriculum experiences. (SJL)

A comprehensive theory of instruction is needed that (1) acknowledges the centrality of communication to instruction; (2) recognizes that instruction involves changes in student knowledge, affect, and behavior; and (3) reflects a systematic orientation to instruction. The literature in diffusion, particularly in the area of the communication of…

Presents a thematic overview of this issue, which focuses on teachers as active decision-makers who are responsible for children's learning. It is noted that teachers can become active decision makers (even with curriculum mandates) in their understanding and view of the importance of child development, curriculum, evaluation, and their continuous…

Claims that reading and writing are closely related at all grade levels. Points out that reading aloud; sharing quality children's literature; and incorporating activities such as recitation, singing, and poetry can facilitate the transition from oral to written language codes. Proves that teacher participation in such activities can encourage…

After three months of visiting high schools participating in the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Project on Redefining General Education in the American High School, the author discusses the ongoing efforts of local school faculties to rethink their curricula. (JBM)

This paper looks at current definitions of aesthetic education and, in light of present views on learning theory and teaching methodology, suggests means and materials for devising new programs which might realistically meet the needs of modern American students. (Author/SJL)

Change theory endorses a set of normative role prescriptions determining how the participants in curriculum change should be viewed. (JN)