Describes a short problem-based course for a class of 180 students facilitated by two tutors. The course aims to assist undergraduates who have completed two years of study in basic medical sciences to apply their learning to the diagnosis and management of asthma and respiratory infections. (DDR)

Because children are in danger of losing their curiosity in adolescence, science teaching in primary school is of critical importance. Nurturing curiosity requires that the locus of control must reside with the learner. Instructional density (the amount of teaching) must not inhibit children's thinking and decision-making so as to remove the…

Describes a special topics course in American popular psychology. Course objectives are to trace the history of the popularization of psychology in America; discuss the efforts of William James, G. Stanley Hall, and others; and evaluate the quality of various examples of popular psychology. (MJP)

Defends the National History Standards against the criticism that they virtually eliminated George Washington from the history curriculum. Maintains that this criticism is politically motivated. Provides many examples from the Standards mandating and supporting the study of Washington and his contributions. (MJP)

Echoing nineteenth-century clerics, hostility to science has become respectable in the university community, evidenced by the emergence of science studies as a discipline. Proponents of science studies support a stance toward scientific research that can lead to intellectual paralysis, and they may in fact understand very little about science.…

It is argued that college writing courses can accomplish technical and critical goals and also address politically-charged issues responsibly. The rationale for this approach is discussed, and a University of Texas at Austin composition program designed to include examination of race and gender issues is outlined. Several other writing course…

Maintains that criticism of the National History Standards is inaccurate and politically motivated. Claims that conservatives value history instruction as an inculcation of patriotism rather than a search for truth. Praises the Standards as fair, insightful, and useful. (MJP)

Discussion of the controversy over freshman composition course requirements looks at the origins and evolution of such courses in American higher education, philosophy underlying rhetoric instruction, criticisms of freshman English courses, the writing-across-the-curriculum movement, attitudes about mechanical correctness in writing instruction,…

Considers the rationale and possible design for a university-level general language education curriculum in South African universities. Suggested components include language awareness (metalinguistics), cultural context, knowledge about language acquisition, and language learning strategies. Identifies practical, implementation issues of such a…

Observes the pitfalls and possibilities of using feature films as educational tools for religious exploration. Praises film for its ability to synthesize a number of cultural, moral, and narrative elements. Lists several simplistic and reductionist approaches to be avoided. (MJP)

Reports on a teaching method that combined assigned daily newspaper readings with weekly informal journal writing to teach basic sociological concepts. Assigned journal topics acted as a link between class material, the newspaper stories, and other texts. Student response was overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Provides several examples of the journal…

Criticizes arguments for providing a global perspective for sociology through greater use of interdisciplinary and international materials. Maintains that these materials simply will be fitted into predetermined categories and approaches. Recommends adopting a world-historical perspective that rejects nationalist comparisons and accepts patterns…

Describes an online professional development course for K-12 educators in which teachers explore use of the Internet, including Internet communication tools, creating online resources, and curriculum integration. Includes independent research, sharing found resources, developing criteria for Web site evaluation, and creating and publishing their…

Discussed is the movement against the use of dissections in science laboratories. Examples of protests across the United States are included. Compared is the plight of using animals in a biology classroom and the demise of the teaching of evolution in some areas. (KR)

Argues that geography teachers should help students explore ethical issues in geography, such as questioning where exploitation ends and conservation begins. Outlines guidelines for ethics, considers pedgogical implications, and offers strategies for motivating students and making geography relevant. (DB)