Examines advantages and disadvantages of using textbooks as the basis for curriculum and instruction, discussing textbooks as the predominant instructional medium. The article describes attributes of good textbooks and text structures, identifies strategies for improving readers' text comprehension, and notes teachers' role as facilitators in…

This paper describes the development and implementation of an English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) curriculum by Canadian and Chinese educators at the Canada-China Language Centre (CCLC) in Beijing. It describes the salient features of the curriculum that was finally implemented, as well as problems encountered in its development. (MDM)

Presents classroom-tested teaching tips from 100 years of issues of "Instructor." Suggestions are made in the areas of language arts, social studies, science, math, writing, classroom management, bulletin boards and displays, art, general curriculum activities, and critical thinking skills. (SM)

Results of 6 experiments with 109 Australian preschool children favor training in phoneme identity over segmentation as a component of initial reading instruction because it is easier to implement and its relation to alphabetic insight is stronger. Implications for the initial reading curriculum are discussed. (SLD)

Review of research indicates that, when asked about their perceptions of general education, college students show lack of understanding, clarity, and purpose relative to their general education courses. These findings, and an exploratory study of faculty enactment of educational goals in the classroom, suggest some considerations for college…

Describes the development of a college-level Chinese history course based on the biographies of notable Chinese. Suggests story telling to make history more understandable and authentic. Argues that narrative can provide an open window for the study of any society. (CFR)

Asserts that education cannot be limited to the confines of a textbook but must be a true window to the world. Argues that this can be achieved through curriculum and thematic teaching. Provides suggestions for designing and teaching integrated, thematic units. (CFR)

A program of curriculum revision at the state level is described including objectives such as increasing awareness of all students regarding disabilities and revising instructional methods to meet the needs of students with disabilities in regular settings. Coordination, training efforts, and expected results are considered. (PB)

Describes a secondary science and mathematics teacher education course at Cornell University which encourages students to think reflectively about their understanding of subject matter and question common schooling practices contributing to poor understanding of science. The course requires significant amounts of involvement through writing,…

This paper describes common practices in social studies instruction and proposes a conceptually based model of history instruction for learning-disabled students, involving sameness analysis and integrating concepts into a network of knowledge. The model includes preskill instruction, problem-solution-effect analysis and note taking, vocabulary…

Describes an in-depth approach to infusing the fundamental dimension of human dignity into the social studies curriculum. States that students' awareness of individual dignity results from three main school program influences: (1) planned instruction, (2) teacher-child interaction, and (3) school responses to unacceptable behavior. (DB)

This article describes one school's efforts to teach students with mental retardation functional skills in community settings, while maximizing inclusive experiences. The approach includes a method of identifying functional curricula, collaborative instructional planning and teaching, and community-based instruction for all students. (DB)

Describes how one second-grade teacher opened the way to an understanding of mathematical concepts for her students by opening some favorite children's books. Four specific titles along with the mathematical skills they focus on and suggested teaching ideas are presented. Additional resources are included for each title. (BB)

Outlines work accomplished at the 1998 National Communication Association Summer Conference, presenting a model for a professional master's-degree program in public relations that integrates outcomes, assessment, curriculum, and pedagogy. Outlines program outcomes, curriculum, essential curriculum-content areas, pedagogical approaches, and…

Questions whether self-assessment helps teachers develop new conceptual structures in the context of integrated science. Examined 22 inservice teachers with concept maps, interviews, and questionnaires while they used teaching materials for eight integrated topics in the German PING Project. Discusses the importance of using self-assessment to…