Offers suggestions for using rap lyrics to teach language skills. A brief overview of the sociocultural dimension of rap music and its literature, a theoretical orientation for the instructional methodology, and a curriculum model are presented. The prevalence of these musical forms can make them a valuable aid. (SLD)

Proposes a method for teaching about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) by using poetry written about the disease. Identifies specific anthologies as resources and reviews the literature. Says poetry addresses AIDS-inspired fears and helps reshape negative attitudes and homophobia. Suggests that it also enhances prevention-oriented public…

Indicates that utilizing calculators to introduce algebraic concepts in a prealgebra course provides students with a solid foundation for the study of college mathematics. Pedagogical criteria emphasized the difference between exact and approximate results, appropriate use of the calculator in problem solving, the role of estimation in…

Discusses "Liberal Learning and the History Major," a report on the state of history education by the American Historical Association that cited a need for curricular structure in and continuity among history departments. Includes an overview of recommendations on curriculum, active learning, and emphasis on research and writing skills.…

Discussion of technological innovations in education focuses on the potentials of the microcomputer as a classroom instructional method. Programing, computer literacy, software applications, and problem solving are suggested as ways to incorporate computers into the curriculum, and examples of applications of computers in elementary and secondary…

The "Thinking Actively in a Social Context" (TASC) project, currently underway with African-American high school pupils and teachers in KwaZulu/Natal schools (South Africa), stresses the systematic development of thinking and problem-solving skills. The program has been very successful with relatively high achieving students but requires…

Proposes to return narrative to a more central place in historical writing. Answers critics who complain that history texts do not properly emphasize democracy and citizenship. Suggests using narrative to tell stories students will remember while including a major theme or conclusion. Warns against overuse, wordiness, and sacrifice of human…

Discusses instructional uses for the "Carmen Sandiego" software series to encourage interest in geography. Suggests "Carmen" be incorporated into the curriculum by teacher-directed grouping that adds teacher instruction into cooperative and competitive arenas, curriculum integration linking diverse specialties, and isolated…

Reviews literature on writing across the curriculum and describes its application in a computers for teachers course at the College of Charleston (South Carolina). The article describes the course requirements and purpose, writing assignments, the exam essay, and the relationship of writing assignments to teaching techniques. (SM)

Reports on a study of the background and training of 178 economics teachers in 114 high schools in western New York State. Contends that teachers with no background have greater difficulty teaching economic topics than teachers trained in economics. (CFR)

Reviews "War against the School's Academic Child Abuse," by Siegfried Engelmann, which criticizes the government, textbook publishers, colleges of education, professional organizations, and businesses for playing politics and not acknowledging what schools need to change to benefit students. Relates Engelmann's experience in promoting…

Describes the author's first meeting with curriculum specialist Hilda Taba and his subsequent work on the Taba Curriculum Project. Discusses the project's objectives, major features, and the instructional strategies necessary for implementation. Concludes by discussing Taba's impact on curriculum design and development. (CFR)

Drawing on experiences of a teacher who has taught secondary school ethics courses, this article argues that every school system should integrate ethics into all subject disciplines and present a course in ethics, perhaps as early as seventh or eighth grade. Such a course is described. (SLD)

Describes a skills development program based on research and writing subskills. Includes analyzing questions, devising a form to record information, researching and reporting findings, and supporting a point of view in persuasive essay. Explains that the program through three years of middle school, adding and refining skills each year. Suggests…

Recommends adding electronic keyboard to vocally based music curricula for elementary students. Argues that the keyboard provides a graphic representation for musical understanding. Suggests teaching keyboard in small, manageable, hierarchically structured steps. Offers suggestions from finger placement and creating sound effects in first grade to…