Describes the design and advocacy of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jazz and Contemplative Studies curriculum at the University of Michigan School of Music. Considers issues, such as the structure of the curriculum, the reconciliation of contemplative studies and conventional notions of academic rigor, avoidance of possible conflicts between church…

This report describes the Experimental Schools Project (ESP) conducted by the Franklin Pierce School District in Tacoma, Washington, under funding from the National Institute of Education. The ESP was a five-year program designed to provide the optimum learning environment for each student. Each of the district's 13 schools attempted, through…

Proposes curriculum negotiation as necessary to the professional autonomy of the educator who works with adults. Suggests that the educator of adults, through this negotiation, will be better able to understand the social processes that drive educational transactions, while sustaining educational ethics within these processes. (KO)

Experimental learning activities should be the major emphasis of health education. The Simulation Technique utilizes a three-step approach: rehearsal and preparation before the procedure is performed; the actual testing; and follow-up exercises that enhance knowledge and reinforce the usefulness of the screening procedure. Examples from this…

Describes different assessment designs available for different types of curricula. Reports results from a quasi experimental design comparing the level of critical sociological reasoning skills among students near the beginning and those finishing their studies. Believes the multi dimensional diversity within sociology presents the greatest…

Southwestern University School of Law's two-year, intensive, year-round program, the Southwestern Conceptual Approach to Legal Education, which emphasizes hypothetical problems as teaching tools rather than the case-book method, is described. (MSE)

The paper reports on an investigation of evaluation alternatives of the social studies curriculum project "Man: A Course of Study" (MACOS). It is presented in eight sections. Section I describes the task of the study and offers a view of the stages of curriculum development projects. Section II describes methods employed in the study.…

This article gives a brief account of secondary school mathematics curriculum development in China. Some experimental teaching materials and teaching methods are introduced. One of the most influential projects is described in detail. (Author/PK)

Presents an experimental secondary school curriculum as drafted by the Soviet Union's Ministry of Education in 1987. Intended for implementation (after modifications) by the year 2000, as part of perestroika and educational reform. Examines the curriculum's rationale. Lists school subjects, indicating number of hours and grades in which they…

Illustrates how one mathematics department has added courses to widen pupils' views of mathematics and to improve their problem-solving ability. (PK)

Describes the University of Hawaii Community Colleges' attempt to meet student needs by transforming selected programs into noncredit, career-ladder modules, or "chunks." Describes the initial implementation, problems encountered, and the outlook for future applications. Highlights the need to guarantee accurate records and maintain full…

To encourage the schools to train students in broad and flexible occupational competencies rather than specific job skills, the Oregon Department of Education has promoted the cluster concept of vocational education. Of the 14 occupational clusters identified as being economically significant in Oregon, business competencies in the accounting,…

The report is a review and analysis of the status of the Public Service Occupations Curriculum Project, and is an outgrowth of discussions and recommendations from the February 1974 meeting of the National Advisory and Review Committee of the California State Department of Education, Vocational Education Section. Approximately one-half of the…

Using the expertise of faculty members of various departments, the University of Texas at Austin has initiated a four-year, two million dollar project, called C-BE, to examine the capacity of computer-assisted instruction (CIA) to improve teaching in the sciences and in engineering. The computer can assist the instructor by doing grading,…

In this article we examine a flexible curricular approach known as the "Option." The Option enables students to supplement traditional majors with a coherent set of courses and other educational experiences in a related, often interdisciplinary field. Options can act as curricular bridges between mainstream academic fields and problems of…