If comparative literature's current emphasis on literary theory is balanced by its participation in a practical and well-calibrated international studies curriculum, it may have arrived at a comprehensive definition of its nature and mission as an academic discipline. (CB)

The movement to shift the optometric testing focus from traditional visual sciences to the biomedical sciences is fortunate, but the optometric curriculum should also be carefully evaluated and redesigned to integrate the sciences better. (MSE)

There is a need to conduct more Piagetian research in the West Indies in order to develop a basis for a culturally appropriate curriculum. This article analyzes the performance of students in Trinidad and Tobago on Piagetian tasks. The majority of these children did not conform to Piaget's classification of stages. (VM)

David Kolb's experiential learning theory involves a framework useful in designing courses that meet needs of diverse learners. Course designs providing systematic activities in concrete experience, reflective observations, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation will be sensitive to students' learning styles while challenging…

Two studies examined what is taught in the university beyond the official curriculum and students' motivations for studying. Results showed that university students study both for the degree and to make the curriculum relevant to their own lives and experience, a tendency that may minimize the effect of the hidden curriculum. (Author/MSE)

Describes an alternative medical school curriculum for the first two years of preclinical basic science studies. Discusses student and faculty selection for the program. Details the format for teaching biochemistry in the Alternative Curriculum, including program structure, content organization and exams. Evaluates the success of the program. (CW)

Two basic types of internship plans used by community college health programs are used: (1) lecture/internship mix and (2) block internship. Neither type adequately addresses the problems of small, rural, community colleges attempting to establish quality health occupations programs. The proposed model curriculum uses the advantages of both types.…

Describes the growth of computer-assisted language teaching in fable form by relating the story of how music became a method of language instruction in a fictional country. The reactions to and problems with such a method of teaching and how the method was incorporated into the school system are described. (SED)

The need for emphasis on development of interpersonal communication skills in continuing education for pharmacists is discussed, a training course in Northern Ireland is described, and the potential for similar curricula in other professions is assessed. (MSE)

Results of a national survey of undergraduate and graduate nursing programs to determine the extent of curriculum content and faculty training in international health issues are reported. The importance of this aspect of nursing education is discussed. (MSE)

More can be done to incorporate basic biological science into clinical dental teaching, including increased early basic science instruction by clinical faculty, establishment of departments of oral biology, the grand rounds format, case presentation in clinical settings, and continuing education involving practicing dentists and dental students.…

Discusses the lack of applications of simulations to the study of English for academic purposes. Advocates a "looser" syllabus design which combines knowledge about learning objectives, organization of material, and methodology yet allows for students' needs and ways of learning. (SED)

Outlines a participatory approach to social studies education called "skills-in-living." This approach defines schooling and classroom work not as preparation for life, but life itself and emphasizes the application of social science concepts and generalizations to the real life decision-making, participation, communication, interaction skills of…

Effective curriculum supervision is essential to a good middle school and curriculum program, and principals can do this job through preparation, curriculum review and development, taking advantage of supervisory opportunities, and curriculum evaluation. (DCS)

A longitudinal research study in Israel was designed to investigate effects of mutual interrelations between courses in sequential teaching on long-term retention of learning in a science curriculum. The results implied that a program composed of a hierarchical sequence of learning units is superior to a discontinuous array of discrete courses.…