Analyzes philosopher William James' writings on political representation and participatory democracy. Although he argued in favor of democratic principles, James also strongly supported the role of a well-educated elite serving as leaders. Attempts to reconcile these contradictory positions and considers James' influence on the development of…

Summarizes a study to describe, interpret, and explain a newly implemented college English course in the People's Republic of China, based on document interviews, classroom observations, and semistructured interviews of 11 institutions. Discusses structural aspects of this curriculum change from policymaking to implementation. Teachers'…

Examines what is being taught in reference courses at the University of Ibadan (Nigeria) library school, how courses are taught, and what needs to be improved. The balance between practical and theoretical approaches in the curriculum is discussed, and is it recommended that a practical approach be emphasized in Nigeria. (Author/LRW)

Presents a model for methods classes that shows what can be accomplished on a small scale by one professor. Suggests that teacher educators can impact the future one class at a time--they can use their expertise and status in the local educational community to improve the experiences of novice teachers. (SG)

The presentation of statistics in administrator preparation programs is often irrelevant to administrative realities, fails to integrate appropriate teaching technologies, and stresses inferential statistics over statistical strategies for improving skills in problem analysis, program and student evaluation, data-based decision making, and report…

Introduces a model of cognitive speed and considers its relevance to research and practice. Topics include information processing; semantic cognitive flow; compressed speech; speed-reading; cognitive speed and interaction; and implications for distance education, video multimedia, computer-assisted instruction, hypermedia, interactive multimedia,…

Summarizes five important studies that teachers should be aware of, which offer direction about how grammar should or should not be taught. Summarizes useful theory as well, concluding that the teaching of grammar in the language arts classroom must happen within the context of larger lessons and experiences with written and spoken language. (SR)

Reports on the Improving Education Quality Project in Uganda, which sought to improve primary education by using participatory action research to involve and empower teacher and community participants. Discusses the complexities and dilemmas of moving toward participatory ways within the context of Ugandan society, and how dialogue among all…

Sets up a contrast between the traditional pedagogical practices in secondary school and in whole language practices of elementary schools. Maintains that the level of interest and involvement being so much greater in elementary school argues strongly for reform in secondary schools. (TB)

It is argued that professional doctorates such as the Doctor of Education degree have value as a means of reconstructing the relationship between theory and practice, by demanding a reconstruction of university research relationships with practitioners. In turn, this requires that universities change their conceptualization and teaching of…

American Library Association Goal 2000 fails to resolve conflicting theoretical perspectives about the purpose and scope of public library services. While allowing for temporary unity of political action, ALA Goal 2000 may create contradictory service priorities that confuse both the public and librarians. Strengths and weaknesses of the social…

A survey of 133 rural Midwestern teachers who had supervised student teachers examined their knowledge of educational psychology. Few teachers had high scores, and scores were unrelated to teaching experience or degree held. Recommends increased emphasis on educational psychology in teacher education, inservice, and professional development…

A study examined the opinions and practices of 28 speech-language pathologists specific to best practice communication-based service delivery for persons with severe disabilities. Pathologists reported to value highly and, to a lesser degree, to practice indicators of quality communication-based service delivery. Significant differences between…

Explores how far British government policies influence academic values and ways of working through an examination of the United Kingdom Foresight Programme, a governmental effort to set priorities for research through identification of emerging technologies and markets. Feedback from scientists and social scientists found shifting attitudes toward…

Examines the past and current educational trends of librarianship in Sierra Leone. Discuses courses offered in the current library school; economic and political issues affecting higher education; the need for full-time faculty; general versus specialized practitioner needs; attitudes of faculty toward working librarians; and professional…