This study focuses on the school-work connection from the perspective of curriculum design. The aim was to uncover considerations underpinning the design of learning environments in vocational education. The research took place in the Netherlands. A focus group methodology was chosen to elicit designers' considerations, which generally remain…

From the very founding of the United States, education's actual influence on American society has not measured up to Americans' belief in education as a vehicle of meritocracy. Shortly after the American Revolution, the lexicographer, editor, and would-be education reformer, Noah Webster noted that in the United States "The constitutions are…

The sixth-form college sector is often marginalised in policy and academic discourse, where the much larger school and further education sectors dominate. This paper sets out to describe the sector's key features, assess its position within the wider education system and consider its future in an increasingly competitive education market. The…

Here we draw on recent research and on earlier contributions on convergence and divergence across Great Britain to consider possible future trajectories for 14-19 education and training in England. We use a UK-wide lens to reflect on 14-19 strategies in England by showing how common issues can be tackled in different ways in Scotland, Wales and…

Chinese vocational education is currently in its most optimal development period in history. This article discusses several challenges of different dimensions faced by vocational education in China as it develops, such as scale versus quality, development goals, a lifelong vocational education system, and creating model institutions; and puts…

The Secretary of State for Education's recent announcement of an English Baccalaureate at 16+ has opened up a debate about the nature of general education in the English upper secondary system. Drawing on evidence from national and local studies, we argue that it is important to see general education in England, not only in terms of the…

This study examines the influence of the colonial experience (1945-1997) on the planning of secondary technical education in Hong Kong. Specifically, the origins of secondary technical institutions and their positioning in secondary education are examined. Primary source materials are used as the basis of investigation and analysis, supplemented…

Author reported on a workshop which has devised self-study materials for post-primary education in Nigeria. (Editor/RK)

Discusses the diversification of biology courses and resources in Ontario province, Canada, resulting from the province's 1960 departure from a prescribed curriculum syllabus. (SL)

Discussed are (1) the changes in secondary school science courses in Australia; (2) factors influencing these changes, particularly external assessment of grade 12 students; and (3) the introduction of physical science as a new subject. (SL)

Presents human-centered and cybernetic (system theory) structuring approaches for organizing the biology curriculum. Each approach involves social and inter-disciplinary impact. (SL)

Describes an environmental studies model which was used to optimize both central and school-based curricula teams. Identifies the main implementation problems as the need to identify local sources of knowledge, the need to train teachers in choosing modular curriculum units, and working with groups on a realistic project and project evaluation.…

The emotional and physical development of children entering secondary schools at age eleven affects their ability to adjust to new learning patterns. While teachers and curriculum planners must accommodate their needs, the children too must respond and communicate in order to realize their potential. (JB)

The Eight Year Study (EYS) and the Humanities Curriculum Project (HCP) are compared and contrasted on the basis of five hypotheses. First, EYS and HCP were similar in confounding conventional notions of success and failure. Second, both were manifestations of progressive education. Third, both arose in climates of unease over perceived breakdowns…