To equip young people to meet the challenges of the 21st century, educators must seek out the best understanding from current research on how humans learn before considering further school reform. A brain-friendly model of schooling would include smaller classes for young children, less formal instruction for adolescents, and learning integrated…

Describes the 1997 Keizai Koho Center Fellowship study tour of Japan in which a group of American, Australian, Canadian, and English educators visited two Japanese elementary schools. Compares the structure, classroom activities, and curriculum of each elementary school in detail and reflects upon the future trends in Japanese education. (CMK)

Describes two George Mason University (Virginia) initiatives to illustrate and analyze the strengths and challenges of alternative approaches that have been designed to better meet the changing needs of the students and communities that they serve. Discusses the environment, faculty/student interaction, intense collaboration, and technology…

Provides suggestions for decreasing gender-related differences in mathematics and questions for teachers to ask themselves regarding gender equity in mathematics. Teachers are urged to highlight the contributions of female and male mathematicians, to create a classroom climate that values problem solving, and to hold high expectations for all…

U.K.'s Teaching and Learning Technology Programme (TLTP) developed a General-Purpose Integrated Learning Support (G-PILS) tool-kit and shell. G-PILS creates course/module specific learning support systems to manage the integration of courseware in a range of knowledge media (e.g., games, tutorial packages, simulations, electronic documents,…

Article describes a program of peer counseling initiated to support individual students, improve social environment, and reduce loneliness in school. No change was noted in students' perceptions of loneliness. Significant positive change was found in the social provisions (guidance and reliable alliance), and in number of problems presented to…

This introductory article describes following articles (EC 625 128-134) that address processes and issues related to offering care for children with swallowing disorders in the public school. Procedures for screening, assessing, and treatment, issues involved in establishing a dysphagia program in a school system, and legal and ethical issues are…

This theory-based article describes how data analysis tools, simulations, and modeling software, when used in the proper instructional contexts, provide young learners with rich intellectual environments for inquiry in science learning. Highlights include inquiry learning; abilities of learners; and the integration of technology within classroom…

Using music in the classroom enhances learning. Music and dance provide an opportunity for positive social interaction. Singing fosters understanding of the sound and rhythm of language. Exposing children to the patterns of different kinds of music helps them to recognize patterns in mathematics. Background music in the classroom reduces stress…

Generic school administration training is insufficient to prepare principals of two-way bilingual schools. Interviews with 14 administrators of two-way bilingual schools in Miami and Washington (DC) identified skills they considered essential for management of two-way bilingual schools, including strategies to increase internal unity, ensure…

A home schooling father and college professor describes the personal traits of a good teacher: a willingness to engage in child-led learning; genuine humility and compassion; the inner security to teach others freely; a willingness to learn, often from students; and patience. Parents who wish to isolate their children from the world or force-feed…

Offers a ninth grader's self-analysis of his writing disability and attention deficit disorder. Shares his coping strategies and offers his own and his mother's suggestions for how teachers can help (and not hurt) students like him. (SR)

To bring students up to internationally benchmarked standards, high schools must abandon the ineffective general curriculum and focus resources on a narrower, academic curriculum. Professional and vocational education should be provided in postsecondary settings after students receive certificates of initial mastery. A 12-point school redesign…

Describes the design, implementation, and preliminary evaluation of three synchronous distributed learning prototype systems: Co-Working System, Working Along System, and Hybrid System. Each supports a particular style of interaction, referred to a socio-activity learning model, between members of student dyads (pairs). All systems were…

Discusses the use of technology in training and higher education. Considers current technologies; establishing a vision before implementing technology; needs assessment; hardware and software considerations; facility limitations; design considerations; curriculum support; and student and instructor needs. (LRW)