System models are commonly used in tertiary education as a mechanism for describing the interacting components of educational phenomena, but have hitherto been uncritically accepted. This paper provides a critical review of existing systems models, including the 3P model defined Biggs, and outlines their conceptual challenges. A revised model…

In 2008, the University of Melbourne rolled out its restructured undergraduate degree program offerings. Rather than offering a multitude of faculty-specific degrees, the University started to offer a limited number of generalist degrees that serve as developmental pathways to specialist masters programs as well as stand-alone employment…

This article presents the results of an analysis of three Slovenian textbooks for high school physics, from the point of view of simplifications and idealizations in the field of mechanics. In modeling of physical systems, making simplifications and idealizations is important, since one ignores minor effects and focuses on the most important…

This paper re-examines Ivan Illich's ideas as expressed in his seminal work "Deschooling Society" from a 21st century point of view. It explores the validity of his ideas for our current education system. Illich's work was published at the time of a paradigm shift in curriculum theory which resulted in the development of Reconceptualization and…

Government agencies and members of the educational research community have petitioned for research-based curricula. The ambiguity of the phrase "research-based", however, undermines attempts to create a shared research foundation for the development of, and informed choices about, classroom curricula. This article presents a framework…

Research indicates that, if future teachers are to effectively use technology, their pre-service preparation should employ multiple components. These components include core course work in educational technology, faculty modeling, and clinical experiences. This paper describes and analyzes one model for drawing these three components coherently…

The supposed gulf between curriculum development as it is practiced, and curriculum theory, may be an imaginary one, this article suggests. Textbook curriculum axioms are used to analyze Mississippi's Accountability and Instructional Management program, and it is found to be consistent with the theory taught in college classrooms. (DCS)

Research on three classroom environment instruments is discussed, including predictive validity studies and criterion validity studies. A heuristic model involving curriculum, aptitude, environment, and learning is used to conceptualize the variables' roles in curriculum evaluation research. Evidence suggests that curriculum influences classroom…

The holistic approach to curriculum has four essential characteristics: (1) integrating questions about means and ends; (2) using many specific inquiry modes; (3) emphasizing conceptual questions; and (4) generating certain methodological and practical needs a holistic vision to make sense. Includes seven references. (MLH)

The Curriculum Matrix developed by A. W. Foshay (1991) is a broad, comprehensive conception of curriculum, incorporating a range of perspectives and meanings often overlooked. This paper situates Foshay's matrix in the field of curriculum studies. By focusing on Foshay's interpretation of five curricular purposes (aesthetic, physical,…

The major problem in history education at the precollegiate level is that the history that is typically taught is based on an impoverished idea--or model--that history is recollected facts. There is an enormous discrepancy between "school history" as represented in textbooks and its use in classrooms, and "academic history" as…

Compared the California State Framework and Head Start Performance Standards for common expectations for early childhood education curriculum. Explored relationship of curriculum and the learning styles of preschool children. Found that High/Scope and Emergent Curricula were most compatible with California framework's objective of meeting the…

An evaluation was made of four Head Start bilingual/ multicultural curriculum models to assess their effectiveness and impact on children, staff, and parents. Intended as a pre-post design (with 90 children at each of eight Head Start replication sites and with treatment and control groups stratified on the basis of Spanish or English language…