The advantages of a defined syllabus in second language teaching, especially in relation to public examinations, are discussed. The origin and development of the York defined syllabuses are described, and extracts are given from the introductory document and the French and Russian syllabuses. (RM)

A process based on a systems analysis approach to tasks is proposed for developing a curriculum for the study of plastics. The process may be used with any subject area, at any grade level, to validate the concepts selected, the performance objective developed, the time allotted, and the teaching strategies selected. (AG)

Issues relating to the design, selection, and evaluation of learning activities have been relatively neglected in educational research and scholarship. This paper identified some fundamental questions in need of scholarly attention, reviews recent research findings, and then offers a conceptual analysis and a tentative list of principles that…

This state guide to curriculum planning is designed to provide direction to teachers, administrators, and curriculum specialists for developing programs in informal drama and theatre. For each school level (preschool, elementary, middle, and high school) the following topics or concepts are discussed in terms of the student at that level: informal…

This module provides a framework for designing a functional curriculum for students with disabilities. Topics addressed include designing and using a functional curriculum, analyzing student needs, and conducting job analysis. A list of 14 references is included, and examples of forms are provided. The guide includes a list of definitions and uses…

The articles in this journal issue present four methods for developing units in expository and creative writing instruction. The titles of the articles and their authors are as follows: (1) "A Writing Unit: Ten or Twenty Kids on Their 10-Speeds" (Joyce S. Steward); (2) "Great Painting, Great Writing" (Keith F. Voos); (3) "Building a Character:…

Realizing that the society in which today's young people are taking their place is complex and characterized by both continuity and change, this paper voices the need for improving social studies education. Social studies programs should focus on the learning which young people need for participation in society and which public welfare requires.…

This handbook gives educators and administrators the tools, information, and resources to design and implement a physical education program. Chapter one contains an assessment guide that can be used to assess and revise the physical education program in elementary and secondary schools. The second chapter contains information that physical…

Poor writing among students is not necessarily a function of poor learning, but rather may be a function of poor teaching, and poor writing instruction will continue as long as English remains an undisciplined profession. Examples of the profession's lack of discipline include curricula devised by individual teachers, part-time teachers…

In initiating Writing across the Curriculum (WAC) on the campus of Emory University, project directors discovered inadvertently that an eclectic approach to the use of writing in the classroom was the most effective means of engaging Emory's faculty in a positive way. In short, Emory's WAC motto has become, "if it works; use it." As a…

New methods are proposed for teachers to increase the cultural knowledge of their students. Rather than emphasizing food, festivals, and famous faces from other lands, there should be an attempt to use culture in the classroom as content in the regular instruction of speaking, listening, writing, mathematics, reading, and science. Teaching…

This study sought to investigate effects of a dance program on bilateral toe-standing balance and single-point static balance skills of a group of children with Down Syndrome. Thirteen experimental and 10 control group students between the ages of 3 and 13 years were assessed on toe-standing balance and single-point standing balance on the right…

Prepared by the teaching staff and curriculum office of the Mehlville (Missouri) School District, this curriculum guide for senior high school English presents a dual focus on language (grammar, usage, composition) and literature (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama, media). Following a statement of the philosophy of the program, the guide outlines…

Noting that teachers must devise writing situations that help students see possibilities for revision beyond mechanics and usage, this paper describes several exercises that will help students use the computer or word processor as a tool for assisting them when they write. The exercises, which can be done with or without a microcomputer, with a…

The feasibility of incorporating women's studies into the regular teacher education curriculum was explored. Suggestions and recommendations on developing the curriculum were made, focusing on considerations such as: (1) availability of adequate resource materials; (2) development of sample course syllabi for instructors of women's studies in…