In keeping with the national mandate of increasing graduates in the sciences in South Africa, a concerted effort in improving the first year experience becomes imperative. First year mathematics courses commonly provide the base knowledge necessary for progression in different degree programmes at university. Success in mathematics courses…

While many students and instructors are transitioning from the brick-and-mortar classrooms to virtual classrooms, labs, and simulations, this requires a higher-level of expertise, control, and perseverance by the instructor. Traditional methods of teaching, leading, managing, and organizing learn activities has changed in terms of the virtual…

This article is based on a study that documented the daily work practice of an eighth-grade mathematics teacher and her colleagues at a secondary school in Shanghai when they taught the unit on geometric proofs. Four interrelated work activities were identified to highlight a pedagogy around homework errors. They form an activity system…

The 2012 National Survey of Science and Mathematics Education was designed to provide up-to-date information and to identify trends in the areas of teacher background and experience, curriculum and instruction, and the availability and use of instructional resources. A total of 7,752 science and mathematics teachers in schools across the United…

Competence in mathematics is integral to a wide range of disciplines, professions and areas of life. This Eurydice report reveals crucial elements of the policies and practices that shape mathematics instruction in European education systems, focusing on reforms of mathematics curricula, teaching and assessment methods, as well as teacher…

Principals must attend to eight curricular issues in their role as instructional leader: amount of content; extent of academic focus on coursework; focus and sequence of courses; breadth versus depth of content; differential access to knowledge; homework as an extension of content; curricular alignment; and quality of course objectives. Includes…

Some issues under the control of districts, schools, and teachers that strongly bear on pupil learning are discussed. The issues are: curricular control, grouping and class size; pull-out programs; teachers' support staffs; school schedules; and homework policies. (RL)

In response to the National Commission on Excellence in Education Report, the McHenry Community High School District in Illinois analyzed its current high school programs. The analysis is presented under five areas: (1) instructional programs; (2) student services; (3) district planning, facility, and fiscal programs; (4) athletic and cocurricular…

This paper demonstrates how educators can improve student learning, increase resources available to schools, and make the teaching profession more attractive without spending additional tax funds. Section 1, "The School as Community Center," analyzes sharing school facilities with community organizations and easing fiscal constraints…

This report presents results from eight Urban Systemic Initiative (USI) school district surveys conducted during 1999 and 2000. The Survey of Enacted Curriculum is the study component of a National Science Foundation grant on how reform works in USI districts. The study explores the impact of USI programs on student achievement and the learning…

Education is an open-end process. It can, and should be, lifelong, and schools should leave the door open to all who are eager to learn--adults as well as children and young people. Our public schools are meeting this community responsibility in more and more ways--among them the evening school, which pioneered in adult education and continues to…