Criticizes the University of Toronto for its links to businesses deemed unsavory by the author. Places these academic-corporate links within a general framework of integration between Canada's leading educational and business institutions. Questions an educational system that appears to the author to have wealth generation as its highest goal.…

Discussion of online learning in a multicultural environment focuses on experiences with the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Topics include technology problems; differences in learning styles; Web site use; cultural differences, and their influence on learning environments; and language considerations. (LRW)

Examined cognitive development in children adopted after at least eight months in a Romanian orphanage, and evaluated the influence of a stable adoptive family and home environment on their development. Found that subjects scored lower than comparison group of nonadopted, never institutionalized children on all cognitive measures, and on most…

Describes a qualitative analysis of 18 college students using different types of scaffolding (instructional supports) while working on a World Wide Web project. Examines four support mechanisms: Web resources, procedural guidelines, student-student interaction, and instructor-student interaction. Considers the utility of scaffolds, learner's…

Study with first grade teachers and students explored the impact of book-rich classroom environments and home rereading on reading motivation, comprehension, and fluency. Results showed enhanced comprehension for book-rich classrooms, both with and without a home component; home rereading increased reading motivation and promoted parental…

Draws on a project undertaken for the United Kingdom Government Department for Education and Employment, focusing on the role of ethnic monitoring in identifying low attainment and the investigation of ways to raise attainment. Offers suggestions for the use of ethnic monitoring of school processes. (CMK)

Energy performance contracting allows schools to pay for needed new energy equipment and modernization improvements with savings from reduced utility and maintenance costs. Improved energy efficiency reduces demand for burning fossil fuels, which reduces air pollution, leading to improved learning environments and budgets (through improved average…

Successful block scheduling depends on provision of initial and ongoing instructional training. Teaching strategies should vary and include cooperative learning, the case method, the socratic seminar, synectics, concept attainment, the inquiry method, and simulations. Recommendations for maximizing block scheduling are outlined. (Contains 52…

This article presents an overview of the intermediate to advanced phases of musical talent development which usually coincide with secondary school. The role of the parent, private teacher, and practice are discussed, as well as the dilemmas facing the musical teenager and recommendations for talent development in secondary schools. (Contains…

Conceptual learning of 13 graduate students was studied during a six-week course using the Internet for collaborative learning of online articles. Five groups were formed with each creating a knowledge map during the first and fifth week of the course. Multidimensional scaling analysis was used to study change in each group's mapping over time to…

The mechanisms by which the scholarly integrity of American Indian studies is pressured to conform to the colonialist, Euro-American ideals of the academy are examined. The future of American Indian studies depends on increased visibility and tribal advocacy by American Indians and recognition by non-Indians that Indians have the right and…

The tougher standards movement has five fatal flaws. An emphasis on scores limits student willingness to experiment and be challenged. The "basic skills" approach to teaching--pouring knowledge down student throats--has never worked well. Standardized testing necessarily creates winners and losers. Accountability is coercive and…

Examined elementary school interventions perceived to address the challenges related to high student mobility. Found that schools experiencing high mobility had a diverse network of programs that provided curricular and extracurricular services including academic and family support; school personnel believed these interventions addressed either…

This article presents an alternative approach for reducing violence in schools: the development of evidence-based tools that can be used in existing networks to structure systemic changes. The PEACE POWER strategy emphasizes four practices: recognize contributions and successes, act with respect, share power to build community, and make peace.…

Examines the changing role of the teacher in the use of educational information and communication technologies (ICT). Explores several key issues, including effects of ICT on teaching and learning, the changing role of the teacher in constructivist learning environments, and new skills teachers may be expected to acquire in order to make fruitful…