Reports on the history and development of courses on American studies and history in Israeli higher education. Concludes that learning about the United States is deeply embedded in the Israeli university, and U.S. historians have an important role in advancing that study. (CFR)

Several articles explain the integrated interdisciplinary approach used in Hawaii's PETOM (Preservice Education for Teachers of Minorities) program, which prepares educators to teach students of culturally diverse backgrounds. After an overview of PETOM, the articles look at the mathematics, science, art, and social studies modules. (SM)

Literature on the teaching of law in the social work curriculum is reviewed, and a 1991 survey of master's programs in social work concerning the extent of law-related coursework is summarized. A flexible approach to integrating legal content into existing courses is proposed, focusing on six legal precepts: definition/regulation of practice,…

Heart-rate monitors can be effective in physical education teacher preparation programs and physical education classrooms. The article explains how to use heart-rate monitors and describes the coursework and lab experiences that introduce students to the monitors and teach a higher level of understanding and use of the technology. (SM)

Provides six fully developed library media activities that are designed to be used with specific curriculum units in art, mathematics, reading and language arts, science, and social studies. Library media skills objectives, curriculum objectives, grade levels, resources, instructional roles, evaluation, and follow-up are described for each…

Discussion of library automation and changes in research methodology focuses on computer-assisted research curricula. Topics addressed include public access to government information; the information superhighway; commercialization of government documents that may restrict public access; computer literacy; and a proposed curriculum plan for a…

Maintains that, before developing a curriculum to teach critical thinking in the social studies, it is necessary to conceptualize what critical thinking is. Discusses three definitions of critical thinking along with three strategies for teaching critical thinking. (CFR)

A conversation between graduate students and their teacher educator highlights the centrality of political belief and action in action research. Action research creates more democratic classrooms and institutions and enhances individuals' teaching. The paper discusses the meaning of action research in educators' lives and its potential…

Argues that instruction about Native Americans or Canada Natives often has been limited to colorful tales about ancient lifestyles or a trip to a museum. Asserts that teachers should provide more accurate and useful information as they integrate native studies into the social studies curriculum. (CFR)

Discusses growing concern about negative attitudes toward Japan and Japanese people among secondary school and college students. Describes the use of quality control circles to bridge the cultural divide. Reports on the success of the program and argues that teachers have a responsibility to promote cultural understanding and diversity. (CFR)

Describes how a principled ESP approach has been applied to computer-assisted language learning (CALL). A case study illustrates the job-seeking skills package. The needs analysis process is detailed; a synthesis of the language-centered, learning-centered approach to course design is outlined; and the exploitation of an authoring program is…

Each year, about one-third of college freshmen who select majors in science, mathematics, and engineering switch to other fields. Faculty may be able to reduce student attrition from quantitative majors by addressing four barriers to success: (1) pre-college preparation; (2) peer culture; (3) classroom climate; and (4) sink-or-swim instructional…

The Academic Excellence Workshop at California State Polytechnic University (Pomona) has greatly improved performance and persistence of women and Latino science, mathematics, and engineering majors taking calculus, the crucial gateway course. This suggests persistence and success are more related to college classroom experiences and expectations…

The following activities of the Institute of Didactic Technology at the College of Education in Nitra (Slovakia) are discussed: undergraduate and postgraduate courses of didactic technology, fields of research work, organization of conferences and exhibitions, and activities focused on the introduction of the newest teaching aids and didactic…

Alberta's model junior high school environmental and outdoor education curriculum, a component in Canadian government's Active Living Environment Program, aims to help young adolescents appreciate the personal, interpersonal, and environmental consequences of their actions. Course elements include outdoor experiences and skills, personal and group…