Globalization and technological advances have enabled emerging countries to compete with traditionally economically dominant countries. Emerging countries can advance their economy through the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) from multinational corporations. A key element in the attraction of FDI is the development of human capital.…

Globalization and the influx of multinational corporations over the past 30 years have significantly impacted the educational system in Costa Rica. The need for knowledge-based workers has become essential in continuing to strengthen the economy and attracting foreign direct investment. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the…

This study applied four frameworks from academic literature in the areas of leadership, change process, 21st-century skills, and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) project-based learning (PBL) to understand the various factors providing for success and participation of a school in the national science fair initiative (Programa…

A capstone course is normally offered at the end of a program of study with the goal of helping students synthesize what they have learned in the courses preceding it. The paper describes such a course--an undergraduate capstone course for MIS majors--that was built around case discussions and projects and originally offered in a face-to-face…

This study applies theories of globalization, 21st century skills, and project based learning to explore the Costa Rican National Science Fair and its role in building human capital and preparing students for 21st century jobs, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. This qualitative study captured the…

This descriptive study explores three aspects of teacher behavior related to student participation in science fair competitions: teacher attitudes, teacher preference for different student-learning modes, and teacher motives for required student participation. Teacher motives for required student participation may stem from curriculum and…

Two recurring hurdles seem to reduce the effectiveness of science fairs--finding time in the regular curriculum and excessive parental involvement. The time issue too often manifests itself with the obviously last-minute, overnight project of dubious learning value. The pollution of parental handiwork ruins the student's opportunity to actually…

Each month, "Curriculum Review" offers teachers mutual support, the sharing of ideas, and words of encouragement to help them face challenges in the classroom. The February 2004 issue of "Curriculum Review" contains the following articles: (1) "We Hear from Readers"; (2) "What They're Saying"; (3) "Technology Update"; (4) "Sometimes the Payoff for…