History teaching usually focuses on understanding the past as an aim in itself. Research shows that many students do not see the point of this and perceive history as not very useful. Yet history plays a major role in the orientation on present and future. If students fail to see this, the question arises whether this is due to a lack of explicit…

Although research suggests that many pre-service mathematics education programmes are weak interventions having a negligible effect on student teachers' knowledge, beliefs and attitudes, there is consensus that programmes that model and engage student teachers in reform teaching and learning approaches have the potential to effect positive change…

The aim of this international study was to generate recommendations for curriculum improvement in family-school partnerships (FSP) by examining teacher candidates' understandings, attitudes and experiences. A survey of 1144 candidates in their first or final year of preparation at three universities, one each in Belgium, the Netherlands and the…

This article uses curriculum-making frameworks to analyse and reconstruct the Chinese curriculum-making model and unpack the dynamics, complexity and constraints of China's curriculum reform since the early 1990s. It argues that curriculum reform is China's main human capital development strategy for coping with the challenges of the 21st century,…

This study began as an examination of the amount and scope of economics information taught in three high school history classes. Results revealed that the teachers' inflexible control of information caused students to become alienated from the classroom activities and cynical about the validity of any information conveyed there. (AM)

Observes that a naive grasp of science makes it difficult to acquire further scientific knowledge. Argues that students must restructure intuitive knowledge to conform to contemporary scientific ideas. Explores mental models that students employ in thinking about scientific concepts. Explains how teachers should work from these models to change…

Interviewed 45 students, grades 9-12, to which what social studies classes or activities engage secondary school students. Summarizes student reactions to a social studies class emphasizing higher-order thinking (HOT). Reports that a subject's intrinsic interest and relevance, student active participation, and cognitively challenging tasks most…

Many observers have commented on disparities between the theoretical understandings of environmental education portrayed in academic literature and the environmental education that takes place in schools. In much of the literature and in curriculum documents there has been an increasing emphasis on promoting positive attitudes towards the…

Addresses the reasons for students' lack of interest in the physical sciences. Proceeds with a discussion of the criticisms of scientific knowledge in an attempt to explain the decline of interest in science education and highlights the implications for the science curriculum. Identifies four models of science education that may encourage…

Explores the impact of classroom environment on curriculum implementation. Provides historical background for this area of study, describes instruments for assessing prosocial behavior, and examines studies of teacher and student perception of classroom environment. Reports on two studies that combine qualitative and quantitative methods, and…

An evaluation of a humanities course taught to mixed ability classes of 11 year olds in England showed that the most important factors for a successful course are teacher commitment and enthusiasm, careful course planning keeping in mind student interests, and teaching styles that emphasize student activities and interaction and oral work. (RM)

Contends that curriculum theorists often distinguish between the formal or official curriculum from the actual or hidden curriculum. Argues that the hidden curriculum always has a normative, or moral, component and that educators have a responsibility to make the hidden curriculum as explicit as possible. (CFR)