The author focuses on some of the research needs for early adolescents (ages 10 to 15). It highlights areas in which federal policy concerns intersect with developmental research, and discusses six areas: social equity, basic skills, school discipline, parent participation, and school effectiveness. (Author/KC)

Asserts that aesthetic questions and aesthetic understanding provide the framework for learning in art. Contrasts formalism (the belief that art exists for its own sake) with contextualism (the belief that art is part of a social communication system). Maintains that a balanced art program should incorporate both approaches. (MJP)

Advocates a proactive method by Forrest Gathercoal of dealing with conflict and discipline in the music classroom through reliance on democratic principles. This method, "Judicious Discipline," is based upon the Bill of Rights and includes sharing power, allowing students to be heard, and acknowledging their thoughts as credible and…

The number of Black, Hispanic, Asian American, and American Indian students earning doctorates in 1996 continued a decade-long rise. Total number of doctorates also rose, fueled chiefly by increases in degrees to foreign students. Numbers and percentages of earned doctorates are presented by field and student characteristics, and numbers are…

A study of University of Plymouth (England) student records investigated predictors of degree performance. Mature students gained better degrees than traditional students, and those with nontraditional qualifications performed best of all. Gender, year of graduation, and type of qualifications were weak predictors, but results differed…

Describes a series of in-class simulations where class members assume the role of psychologists accused of various ethical violations and appear before a mock committee. The role play recreates formal complaint hearings that result in official rulings and set appropriate penalties and remedial requirements. (MJP)

Explores some of the ways that sexuality is an issue in the course of teaching. Includes discussions of crushes between students and staff, consensual personal relationships between staff and students, and sexual harassment. Discusses creating an atmosphere that enables lesbian, gay and bisexual students and staff to "come out." (MJP)

Looks at "pedagogical knowing" as one facet of a larger conceptual framework that grounds a teacher's self-knowledge as a person and as a teacher. With the help of two middle school English teachers, the paper argues for a view of subject matter knowledge that is dynamic, relational, practice-oriented, and useful. (SM)

Techniques for successful team teaching, drawn from an informal survey of Middlesex Community College (Massachusetts) instructors with team teaching experience, are outlined. Issues addressed include techniques for beginning class, taking attendance, seating, forms of address, passing out material, grading assignments, working together in the…

While most comparative higher education research focuses on the transition from elite to mass education, two other aspects deserve study: substantive academic growth, with roots in the research imperative and the dynamics of disciplines; and innovative university organization, a concern among practitioners as universities seek greater capacity for…

Under conditions of fundamental systemic and cultural change in eastern German schools and society, redistributed authority relationships become a salient feature of educational change. Survey of teachers at eight secondary schools reveals teachers' distress at their changing relationships with students, parents, and state and the lack of critical…

Analyzes 10 editions of an introductory college psychology textbook to determine changes in the content. Reveals that coverage of consciousness, personality, abnormal (disorders), therapies, and social psychology increased, while coverage of introductory material, learning, methods, intelligence, developmental psychology, and applied psychology…

Discovers little change concerning the use of animals in undergraduate psychology programs that do not offer a graduate degree. Few institutions have had any contact with animal rights activists and most chairpersons report that students generally favor the use of animals. Lists alternatives to animal use. (MJP)

Phenomenological study focused on a Spanish-speaking immigrant mother's interactions with primarily English-speaking educators in schools attended by her son. Interactions around four disciplinary actions reveal language and culture as barriers to the mother acting on her son's behalf. She didn't understand school practices and culture and felt…

Describes a strategy used in a preservice teacher education program to help student teachers and practicum students deal effectively with inappropriate pupil classroom behavior. The three-step strategy helps student teachers effectively identify and modify the behavior of children who misbehave. (SM)