In the Japanese English education system, a distinct disconnect exists between the elementary and secondary education curricula. Elementary schools across Japan offer English classes, but adjusting to junior high English classes is often difficult for students. While the Japanese government reformed junior high school tests to aid student…

An adaptation of the traditional literary concept of close reading was developed for use in a largely multilingual classroom in which both first language (L1) and second language (L2) students were struggling to comprehend theoretical, lexically dense texts in English. This simplified method of reading a text iteratively and critically is proving…

There is mounting evidence to show that engineers need more than technical skills to succeed in industry. This paper describes a curriculum innovation in which so-called "soft" skills, specifically inter-personal and intra-personal skills, were integrated into a final year mining engineering course. The instructional approach was…

A student-centered teaching methodology is an essential ingredient of a successful Pan-African literary course. In this article, the author defines Pan-Africanism and how to go about designing a Pan-African literature course. The author combines reading assignments with journals, film presentations, and lectures in a productive learning…

With increases in the use of structural equation modeling (SEM) in the social sciences, graduate course offerings in this statistical technique can be expected to increase. Knowledge of the content of current SEM course offerings may provide ideas to instructors developing new courses or enhancing current courses. This article discusses results…

This booklet was prepared for use as a staff development presentation in response to an official statement by International Reading Association's "Executive Board that literature (and the reading and writing that goes with it) must be the foundation of the language arts curriculum. The purpose of the booklet is to provide alternatives to…

Describes a one-semester biology course for nonmajors which explores the interdisciplinary potential of psychology, anthropology, history, literature, philosophy, and religion. Satisfactory results in the 1970 tryout with 126 college students are identified. (CC)

Discusses the steps teachers can use to create an inclusive reading program for students. Specific exercises teachers can use include undertaking an informal assessment of the students, developing reading groups, creating multisensory activities, creating isolated comprehension skills, and forming lesson outlines. Examining the component parts is…

Describes a lesson design facilitating students' comprehension of human beliefs and behaviors indigenous to foreign cultures, and making culturally implicit meanings explicit to learners in a different culture. Involves teachers and learners through reading and discussion of a story introduced with an advance organizer. (RS)

The program of studies for a reading elective course for avid or potentially avid readers at the junior high school level contained in this guide represents an attempt to address problems experienced by young adult readers. The program would provide time for them to read, and it would allow students the opportunity to value reading whether it be…

Asserts that all students should know that African Americans make up an integral part of U.S. history. Reviews two books, "In My Father's House: Africa in the Philosophy of Culture," by Kwame Anthony Appiah and "Lure and Loathing: Essays on Race, Identity, and the Ambivalence of Assimilation," by Gerald Early (ed.). (CFR)

Curriculum development efforts at Columbia University occurring as a result of social changes and four years of seminar discussions are analyzed, and the seminar transactions and resulting programs discussed. A detailed description is given of Columbia's General Education Program, established after World War I. It is shown how and why the original…