This article uses curriculum-making frameworks to analyse and reconstruct the Chinese curriculum-making model and unpack the dynamics, complexity and constraints of China's curriculum reform since the early 1990s. It argues that curriculum reform is China's main human capital development strategy for coping with the challenges of the 21st century,…

Scotland, in common with many other countries internationally, has paid considerable attention to the development of assessment for learning. Currently, schools in Scotland are engaged in a major programme of curriculum and assessment reform, entitled Curriculum for Excellence. As part of the reform process, there is concern amongst practitioners,…

Many faculty members in science departments are experiencing pressure to improve their courses, particularly with respect to the ways in which students are taught and assessed. The purpose of this article is to provide some insights and practical ideas on how curriculum change can be brought about--how motivated individuals can become agents of…

Teacher education in universities is under pressure. In many new education policies there is a renewed focus on teacher quality, and therefore quality initial teacher education. In some countries this renewed focus has led to a resurgence of "alternative approaches" to teacher education such as Teach for America / Australia. One of the…

Many studies reveal a huge gap between theory and practice in teacher education, leading to serious doubts concerning the effectiveness of teacher education. In this paper, the causes of the gap between theory and practice are analysed. On this basis, and grounded in a three-level model of teacher learning, the so-called "realistic approach" to…

The process of education is intended to free the mind from certainty, to liberate children and adolescents so that they can consider options not entertained by their parents. After distinguishing between the intended and the operational curricula, this article examines five desirable features of intended curricula. Includes 14 references. (MLH)

Presents a response to the six articles on training in counseling psychology in this issue of "The Counseling Psychologist" (2000). Emphasizes the importance of good teaching and connecting education with research and practice, and identifies guidelines for curricular change. (Contains 17 references.) (GCP)

St. Louis University is one of a growing number of higher education institutions that are retooling their Doctor of Education, or Ed.D., programs to concentrate more on the practical skills required of district leaders. Such programs have emulated the structure of Ph.D. programs, despite the fact that they generally serve a different purpose. At…

A systematic approach to reform of pharmaceutical education is seen as necessary to link intended outcomes of reform to a progressive and generally accepted mission of professional practice. Cooperation between pharmaceutical education, professional organizations, and regulatory agencies is viewed as necessary and refinement of professional…

The opening section of this paper describes the author's first experience with collegial attempts at curriculum reform through practical inquiry, illustrating a process in which ideas are tested and developed in action. It is pointed out that this form of teacher-based practical inquiry is a characteristic feature of a certain kind of curriculum…

Examines why curriculum planning falls short in site-based management and what can be done about it. Alternative curriculum-planning strategies include holistic planning, construction of thematic units to suit students' individual differences, and a multifaceted, cross-functional approach. Adapting corporate innovations and pursuing strategic…

Presents techniques for institutional researchers and academic administrators to use in assisting faculty in implementing competency-based learning strategies. Discusses how competencies can be identified and how to approach consensus about expected levels of student performance; offers practical examples illustrating how competencies can be…

This discussion of the explosion of knowledge focuses on how schools must organize their curriculum to be conducive to change. Ten guidelines are suggested for providing new learning methods and for successfully dealing with a changing society. (LRW)

It is argued that the current agenda for improving teacher education only seeks to improve the present system. A new, radically restructured approach would train teachers to learn from their experiences, communicate clearly, know their subject matter, integrate ideas into practice, apply learning theory and child development principles, and…

By analyzing an unsuccessfully implemented project (a federally funded reading initiative), staff at a Michigan elementary school gained understanding about the countless dilemmas accompanying the change process. Real and lasting changes must be related to positive existing practices and require adequate time, support, and collaboration. (MLH)