In this article the role of comparative studies of music education within the globalized world is discussed by looking at a particular initiative in the general education field called "Didaktik and/or curriculum." By drawing on the characteristics and issues of this particular initiative, as well as on some critical perspectives that…

Although ideas about digital media and learning have become an important area for educational research, little attention has been given to the practical and conceptual implications for the school curriculum. In this book, Ben Williamson examines a series of contemporary curriculum innovations in the United States, Great Britain, and Australia that…

As the world changes, education must also change. People can no longer afford to rely on a 19th century or even a 20th century education system any more than they can afford to rely on 19th century transportation, communication, or medical systems. This author discusses the obligation of educators to foster for their students the knowledge and…

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) can bring a wide range of benefits--for children, parents and society at large. However, these benefits are conditional on "quality". Expanding access to services without attention to quality will not deliver good outcomes for children or long-term productivity benefits for society. This new publication…

Understanding how various aspects of mathematics education work together is necessary if reform efforts are to succeed, Ms. Newton argues. She compares U.S. and Chinese mathematics education to provide perspectives that might further such understanding. She highlights the Chinese emphasis on thinking systematically about teaching, curriculum, and…

The German vocational education system, possibly the opposite of a pure modular system, must change to match the needs of a rapidly changing and specializing labor market. Four types of Scottish modular programs (National Certificate Modules, Scottish Vocational Qualifications, General Scottish Vocational Qualifications, and the new "Higher…

Using video-recorded class activities, analyzes the teaching method used in a French grammar lesson given in Northern France to a class of 25 students of 6-7 years old. The "catechistic teaching style" employed involves an interactive question-and-answer format. Enumerates advantages and disadvantages of this style. (KS)

Social pharmacy as practiced and taught in Sweden is addressed. Focus is on the pharmaceutical educational system and Sweden's pharmacy college at the University of Uppsala. Topics include student selection, curriculum, social pharmacy courses, specialized studies and research. Comparisons are made with the Finnish system and its University of…

The pharmaceutical education system in Thailand is described and compared to that of Great Britain. The program in Thailand is a five-year curriculum with a two-year prepharmacy natural sciences program. Students start internships after the fourth year. Neither country emphasizes undergraduate preclinical experience nor requires licensing…

Contends that recent changes in the South African school curriculum are intended to preserve racial separateness rather than to bring about an integrated society. Distinguishes between the concepts of "own" culture versus "common" culture in examining multiculturalism in South Africa. Provides a set of recommendations for…

This paper describes curriculum content in two areas--mathematics and international studies--in the secondary schools of Canada, Japan, West Germany, the USSR, and the United States. Relevant background on teacher preparation and on the structure and organization of secondary schooling in each country is introduced to provide a context for the…

Presents the definition of culture within the context of early childhood curricula and briefly outlines the history of early childhood education. Claims that culture and child development are closely related. Examines early childhood education programs around the world and describes how the culture of each country influences the content of early…

Presents a state-of-the-art review of acoustics and its interaction with branches of the sciences and arts. Identifies the current divisions of acoustical study as classified by the American Institute of Physics. Provides descriptive summaries of ten different countries' instructional programs in this discipline. (ML)

Studying the history of the development of different subjects in the school curriculum can help us better understand the social processes involved, as well as the theoretical issues. The attempt to have environmental studies recognized as an A-level subject in British secondary schools is discussed as an example. (IS)

A study of selected formal examination syllabi used in Great Britain revealed that the examining boards for the Certificate in Secondary Education and the General Certificate of Education have incorporated little material that would give students an understanding of international issues. Syllabi for the International Bacalaureate do contain more…