This article examines how students' subject knowledge acquired in short-term international courses (SICs) developed while engaging in university studies in the year following their SICs. It also explores factors associated with their engagement and disengagement. Two interviews with a 1-year interval with 25 students revealed their transformations…

In Swedish compulsory school, individual development plans (IDPs) are mandatory for all students up to 6th grade. The purpose is to summarize and facilitate pupils' learning and tune instruction to national standards. In this study, 233 IDPs drawn up for 5th grade pupils were analyzed with focus on qualities that have been found to impact…

We know from research that there is an intimate relationship between student learning and the context of learning. What is not known or understood well enough is the relationship of the students' background and previous studies to the understanding and learning of the subject area--here, computer science (CS). To show the contextual influences on…

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine student experiences reading nonfiction literature in a social studies classroom. It examined the transactions that took place between the readers and the nonfiction literature in a social studies setting at Fullerton High School, a suburban school in Northeast, Ohio. Reader responses, including…

In an attempt to build a more comprehensive and holistic understanding of the complexity, dynamics and idiosyncrasies involved in becoming a teacher, this study focussed on the experiences of 295 student teachers. Their feelings, cognitions and perceptions regarding teaching practice were analysed using the short version of the Inventory of…

This collection of essays deals with teaching secondary school students who are academically gifted. These students have an unusual capacity to accomplish something; they have aptitude in some special areas. They have artistic or physical skills, or they are talented verbally, linguistically, or mathematically. The essays have a broad application,…

Examines questions related to the identification of gifted children, and the special activities and accommodations that should be provided for them. Suggests that young gifted children have advanced understanding and/or performance in a variety of areas, which requires the development of a challenging curriculum and appropriate educational…

Since May 1980, participants in the Early Adolescent Project at Brooklyn College of the City University of New York have studied the early adolescent as a learner in a series of colloquia, discussions, and observations. The purpose of the study has been to develop recommendations for schooling of the early adolescent and for continuing and…

Adventure-based physical education programs that consider students' developmental stages can best foster skills that reflect positive personal and social responsibility. Elementary students need basic skill instruction, a variety of noncompetitive activities, and a supportive environment. Short debriefing can be added for middle school students.…

This discussion of the uniqueness of the middle school focuses on the characteristics of the early adolescent student. It is pointed out that the special needs of these students are infrequently met by the traditional junior high school. Middle schools should be characterized by six unique elements: (1) specific individual counseling; (2) a…

Individualization of education has been variously defined, from fairly narrow and circumscribed to fairly extensive and comprehensive definitions. The development of a comprehensive procedure for the individualization of education involves consideration of such factors as family/personal, instructional systems, data access, and decision rule…

Reviews research on interactive computer learning. Examines the extent to which learner-computer interaction and learner-learner interaction can interfere with or support one another. Finds that viewing collaborative learning as joint negotiation of a common problem helps to define optimal characteristics of educational software. (CFR)

Critical problems in education are addressed: the criteria of quality, proposed improvements, and methods for bringing about improvement. The problem of setting standards is discussed. It is suggested that quality may be indicated in those colleges: that do the least "telling" and the most "teaching"; that make adequate provision for learning…

This guide, one of a series designed to aid the social studies teacher, discusses the importance of a class study, offers suggestions for collecting information, a convenient form for recording the data, and suggestions for its analysis and use. The class study plan is presented in two parts: a study and composite picture of individuals of the…