This conceptual paper is concerned with the discursive and applied attributes of "authenticity" in higher education, with a particular focus on teaching science through student research. Authenticity has been mentioned in passing, claimed or discussed by scholars in relation to different aspects of higher education, including teaching,…

Reflecting on the last three years of AJRMSTE publications, I present my perspective on some patterns across many submissions--some of which were published, others not. Firstly, I address the 'fidelity' approach to educational research which I feel has dominated over other approaches. Next, I discuss the perception of constructivism which has been…

Scotland's new "Curriculum for Excellence" (CfE) has been widely acknowledged as the most significant educational development in a generation, with the potential to transform learning and teaching in Scottish schools. In common with recent developments elsewhere, CfE seeks to re-engage teachers with processes of curriculum development,…

Offers a conceptual framework for curriculum studies that establishes a linguistic and analytic basis for comparing the upper grades of secondary schools in the United States, England, Wales, and Australia. Reports fundamental contrasts between United States and other countries. Examines differences found in the areas of organizational structure…

Curriculum theory and its function are defined, and its present state is discussed. A model which can be used to bring order to the field of curriculum theory is presented. (CJ)

Presents findings on the current state of development of gerontological content in the curricula of the nation's graduate schools of social work. Findings indicated that these schools have made a significant start toward incorporating gerontological content. Proposes four basic models to accommodate further expansion in gerontological social work…

Curriculum research is reviewed. In Part 1, a survey is reported that was designed to: (1) acquire information on action research projects in Ireland (North and South), the United Kingdom, and the United States; (2) determine the principal method of data collection; (3) identify the rank-order priority of constraints on research; (4) classify…

Defining curriculum design as a critically examined theoretical framework for developing curriculum, this document examines various decision-making processes of planning curriculum. Discussed are the importance of curriculum design, and attempts to examine four systems of curriculum thought, along with curriculum design currently available for…

This article describes a model for action research which encourages collaboration between researchers and teachers, especially in curricular research and development. This model encourages teachers to act as researchers. A rationale is discussed and steps to follow are given. (JL)

The dual role of teachers as in-the-field researchers and independent workers is considered in light of a curriculum development approach that initiates program development at the teacher level, encourages active teacher participation in decision making and research and development, and facilitates flexible planning. An illustrative case study is…

A model for faculty development and curricular change that focuses on the history, culture, and contributions of women in the humanities is the subject of this overview of a National Endowment for the Humanities final report on establishing a women's studies section at Stephens College (Missouri). The report is divided into sections describing…

From a practical, eclectic, and teacher-centered vantage point, this paper reviews previous attempts to classify curriculum development processes, proposes an analytic schema for examing such processes, and explicates an alternative process which has been found to be effective in working with teachers. First, critical distinctions are drawn…

This research project on environmental education was designed to implement and evaluate a community action curriculum development model concerned with the preservation and enhancement of environmental quality and ecological balance within an urban area. It sought, furthermore, to involve students, teachers, parents, community representatives,…

Described is a model which responds to the need for a systematic, conceptual framework for understanding energy. The specific vehicle for enhancing this understanding for the model is postsecondary adult vocational education. The model is intended to assist educators in designing and developing curricula tailored to the needs and interests of…

A project was conducted to implement and incorporate performance-based instructional modules into the vocational education teacher education program at Auburn University. Six steps were carried out in implementing the project: (1) Orientation materials on performance-based instruction were developed and used with faculty and students; (2) the…