A survey of 143 North American medical schools elicited information about school response to recommendations for revitalization of the medical curriculum and other reforms (graduation competencies, community-based training, interdisciplinary courses, problem-based learning, evaluation improvement). Results indicate centralization of curriculum…

Describes a current awareness service developed for science and engineering faculty at the University of Minnesota that used microcomputer databases, a campus network, mainframe computing, and electronic mail to provide weekly searches of recently published literature. Cost effectiveness is discussed, and results of an evaluation of the service…

This paper discusses how to determine whether a test was developed in a legally defensible manner, reviewing general issues, specific cases bearing on different types of test use, some evaluative dimensions, and evidence of test quality. Tests constructed and used according to existing standards will generally stand legal scrutiny. (SLD)

A study compared master's degree student ratings of social work field instructor behavior with field instructor self-reports in a random sample of 31 student/instructor pairs. Students' ratings were more strongly associated with their global satisfaction than with instructor self-reports. It is concluded that better indicators of practicum quality…

Teachers are asked to consider whether using a commercially prepared set of materials will result in the best possible science education. The idea that many of the published materials are seriously flawed and must be very carefully managed if they are to meet the needs of all students is suggested. (Author/KR)

This article discusses educational reform and personnel preparation in relation to dramatic changes in student demography. Professional development needs of teachers serving exceptional language minorities are delineated, including competencies such as understanding first- and second-language acquisition, using appropriate instructional…

Excerpts chapter five from Ele Monoszon's "The Establishment and Development of Soviet Pedagogy." Examines general problems, objectives, principles, and methods of the Soviet pedagogical theory of upbringing. Notes research and theories of key Soviet educators in the 1970s and 1980s. (CH)

Describes a study which explored the effects of a program to help low-achieving fourth and fifth grade students increase their mathematics achievement. Students and teachers organized into a community of learners; the curriculum, organized around units of study with major concepts, skills, and operations, was effective for all achievers. (SM)

This article outlines procedures for maximizing the benefits that profoundly deaf children can achieve through cochlear implants. The history of such implants and practical aspects in their use are described. Factors in development of speech perception skills, auditory training objectives and activities, and spoken language acquisition are…

Argues teachers must be able to correctly interpret and evaluate research design and results to effectively use research to improve instruction. Offers five guidelines for teachers to consider before changing teaching methods in response to research results. Favors longitudinal and cross-sectional studies for best long-term results from…

Teachers' reported instruction of strategies and metacognitive knowledge in the classroom, and their attributional beliefs about the reasons underlying children's academic successes/failures were studied, using 59 teachers from West Germany and 43 teachers from the United States. A 7-item questionnaire was administered. Implications for…

Presents one teacher's experience of and reflections on the use of her teaching-for-thinking program as opposed to the traditional methods of teaching. (BB)

A multistation clinical examination using standardized patients was used over 4 years to assess the interpersonal skills of 346 fourth year medical students, 51 internal medicine residents, and 71 foreign medical graduates seeking admission to graduate study. Results indicate that a reliable assessment of interpersonal skills can be achieved this…

Presents a classroom lesson in which students compare the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 with civil rights legislation from the 1960s and 1970s. Uses role playing and case studies to examine various aspects social and legal discrimination. Includes lesson objectives, instructional procedures, and five student information handouts. (CFR)

This study compared fitness outcomes of regular physical education (PE) programs to special PE programs that implemented a curricular module. Fifth and seventh graders who were exposed to the fitness module did not make significantly greater gains in selected fitness scores than students who participated in regular PE programs. (SM)