It is argued that Australian elementary mathematics curricula have been influenced by earlier British and United States educational movements and theories and are out of touch with current research emphasizing a constructivist approach. A new model of young children's numerical development is offered, and recommendations for improving mathematical…

A discussion of the process and problems of supervising a doctoral candidate examines the nature of the task and relationship, the stages of research (defining the topic, design, gathering material, writing, defense, and dissemination), criticism and intellectual growth, and references and sponsorship. (MSE)

Argues that, even for young children, analogies offer conceptual models for supporting the development of understanding. Compared children's understanding of current electricity after instruction with and without the inclusion of analogies. Children receiving the analogies exhibited a broader understanding, especially concerning the process of…

This Ministry of Education report describes the effectiveness of the British Columbian school system in educating learners. A picture of the school system as seen in the performance of students and schools in 1990-1991 is presented. The report focuses on results that are representative of the province-wide performance of students and schools and…

Surveys 278 British high school students concerning musical styles preferences. Generally speaking, students rejected classical and "serious" music as they grew older. Girls exhibited acceptance of a wider range of musical styles. Includes statistical tables. (MJP)

This guide for language teachers offers a developmental approach to curriculum design for second language learning. The approach suggests a progression of tasks at various difficulty levels, geared to the gradual development of language knowledge, concepts, skills, and attitudes. Ten levels of attainment, or stages of learner development, are…

Summarizes interviews with British West Indies children concerning the production of art and the role of the artist. Demonstrates that children's perceptions undergo a shift from naive realism (pretty things make pretty pictures) to a more interpretive stance (the artist's efforts define the final product). (MJP)

This kindergarten curriculum guide describes children's learning and development in a play-based environment and the creation of such an environment. The first part of the guide discusses child development. Physical development is considered in terms of sensory awareness, motor skills, creative movement, skilled actions with objects, and the…

This booklet is intended to help parents and teachers of primary school children understand children's growth, development, and learning. The first section, following a general introduction, lists methods parents and teachers can use to share information about children, schools, and classrooms. The second section discusses the learning process,…

This book examines the realities of educational change from the perspective of reform-minded teachers, focusing on how the professional work of teachers mediates the translation of the new educational orthodoxy into sustained and enhanced levels of student learning. The book charts the perceptions and experiences of 29 teachers in grades 7 and 8…

Written for a variety of audiences, this volume describes the University of Western Ontario Preschool Project in sufficient detail to permit its replication; findings of formative and summative program evaluations are reported along with research developing new criterion measures of social competence. Begun in 1973, the program was primarily…