Introduces the theme of this issue, which expands comparative education topics inward, toward the developmental perspective of the child, and outward, toward culture, historically situated. Discusses findings from the International Assessment of Educational Progress in terms of cultural differences in children's attitudes toward learning. (KS)

Reviews principles of active, democratic learning; examines issues of time management, such as the use of routines and timetables; and considers the role of the teacher as challenger, facilitator, and tutor. (BC)

For all students to achieve a certain academic achievement level, educators must broaden their understanding of how children learn and ensure that financial resources are provided for child- and family-support services beginning at birth. This article reviews research that forms the basis for this recommendation, highlighting the School of the…

Studies the performance of a novice Spanish student using a Computer-assisted language learning (CALL) system designed for vocabulary enlargement. Results indicate that introspective evidence may be used to validate performance data within a theoretical framework that characterizes the learning approach as "surface" or "deep." (25 references)…

Some considerations and proposals are introduced to improve the efficiency of information management training based on the results of experiments done in this field. The integration of different parts of the information training program into scientific and technical specialties curricula is discussed. (KR)

Ethnomathematics is a program that looks into the generation, transmission, institutionalization, and diffusion of knowledge with emphasis on the sociocultural environment. By drawing on the cultural experiences and practices of individuals and of communities, ethnomathematics allows for an easier flow of scientific ideas with children, reducing…

Two experiments explored the relationship between conceptual and procedural knowledge. Results revealed that fourth and sixth graders made computational errors even though they possessed conceptual knowledge. Fifth graders mastered conceptual knowledge before procedural knowledge. Results support the dynamic interaction theory. (BC)

Offers an annotated bibliography of 142 dissertations, journal articles, and documents published in 1990 and 1991. Contains material on writing, language, literature, and teacher education. (PRA)

Methods such as phonics or whole language can never ensure that children learn to read. Children must learn from people--from teachers initiating them into the readers' club and from authors' writings. Children's relationships with teachers, each other, and the learning task itself are supremely important. Observation, not testing, gauges student…

Four experiments confirmed the widely accepted hypothesis that, although children as young as two engage in pretend play, even four and five year olds do not understand that pretending requires mental representation. Children appear to misconstrue pretense as its common external manifestations, such as actions, until at least age six. (MDM)

Interviews with skilled mine workers in Queensland, Australia, suggest that informal learning in the workplace enables authentic activities, access to experts, and sociocultural environment conductive to the development of expertise. Skilled work means technical competence in a context of sociocultural values. (SK)

Focuses on preservice teacher education by considering teacher reflectivity as an end rather than a means. The article provides a rationale for reflective teacher education in arguing the need to have teachers who are thoughtful, passionate, and principled educational decision makers. (GLR)

Multimedia software stimulates learning paths by offering information through pictures, written text, sound, animation, and video. Multimedia computing is a powerful tool for educators to use to develop lessons and materials. Cites schools where learning is treated as a dynamic, multisensory experience. (MLF)

Questions some new orthodoxies of British elementary education: fitness for purpose, planning based on subject order requirements, and differentiation (learning described by hierarchical levels). Teachers cannot implement National Curriculum goals without substantive professional development and deeper subject area knowledge. A fruitful change…

Discusses difficulties of learning and teaching science at the secondary school level. Highlights include the nature of science concepts; multilevel thought; the use of scientific experiments; language problems; students' learning processes; and an information processing model that can be used to guide thinking and research in this area. (10…