Proposes a variety of conversational training that maximizes learner autonomy and focuses on sociocultural competence in speaking. Students recorded role-plays that required good sociolinguistic knowledge and then compared the discourse generated with native speaker equivalents. The future of conversational training at third level is discussed in…

Starting from the premise that the education provided to Teachers of English as a Second Language (TESL) in Ontario is going from bad to worse, this article discusses the concept of professionalism, suggests some basic principles and components of sound teacher education, and ends by suggesting that the present undesirable situation could be seen…

Overviews the impetus for an overhaul of the U.S. educational system with special reference to reform of foreign language education. The author covers goals, standards, implementation of new policies, local control, interdisciplinary teaching, teacher education, parental role, assessment techniques and staffing. Two responses to this overview are…

Discusses a survey conducted to assess the correlation between student concepts of an ideal graduate linguist and actual language ability. Little agreement exists among students about what skills an ideal graduate should possess. There is a high level of complacency among respondents regarding their own language ability. (three references) (CK)

Reviews research on the relationship among young children, their developing skills, and art. Maintains that children's development, like art itself, grows out of the individual child artist and his or her place in life and culture. Presents examples of developmentally appropriate art activities and instruction. (CFR)

Presents three hypotheses about education: (1) equal opportunity in education is largely a myth; (2) students are often exploited for noneducational ends; and (3) ability is often discriminated against in schooling and life. Discusses each hypothesis and presents supportive arguments. (CFR)

Asserts that citizenship education has been acknowledged as one of the overarching goals of social studies. Contends that citizenship education and cooperative learning are interrelated concepts and that social studies teachers and students can benefit from using cooperative learning techniques. (CFR)

Provides an introduction to the Internet with special focus on access issues, electronic communication, and tools for making the Internet easier to use. Identifies selected Internet resources appropriate for social studies. Includes three lesson plan ideas and five tables listing Internet resources. (CFR)

Maintains that the photograph, "Migrant Mother," is recognized throughout the world. Provides a three-part instructional unit on Dorothea Lange and social issues related to migrant workers. Includes four photographs by Lange, including the most well-known, "Migrant Mother 5." (CFR)

The underlying premise of infusion is that information about individuals with disabilities must be more systematically integrated throughout an entire curriculum. This article describes the infusion approach to teacher development, explaining three central premises, providing sample program applications for each premise, and discussing brain…

For five years, a University of Brighton (England) social policy and administration program has incorporated a student research project into a required research methods course. The sponsored research project places considerable emphasis on student contributions to the research. These features are discussed in the context of one project, a patient…

Maintains that to prepare students for the next century, music teachers must prepare them to be technologically literate in music. Describes the technology-based music education program at Ortega Elementary School in Austin, Texas. (CFR)

Proposes guidelines for introducing enrichment materials in the Montessori classroom, focusing on the introduction of numbers to young children and recommendations for specific mathematics activities. Suggests that one reason for adding materials is to revitalize the classroom environment, as children expect novelty and change. The risk is that…

Presents a high school lesson plan on the struggle over ratification of the Treaty of Versailles and U.S. participation in the League of Nations. Includes a timeline of events, four primary source documents, and biographical portraits of two opposing senators. Provides student objectives and step-by-step instructional procedures. (CFR)

Examines circumstances under which teachers, as guardians of culture, might define themselves not as gatekeepers for the received wisdom of culture, but as keyholders who unmask authoritative knowledge and cultural domination. In this context, the article discusses the importance of student voice; mimetic, liberal, and critical teaching; and…