Examines the background and implementation of a student research project exploring the decisions of 16-year olds to leave or stay in school. Offers a critique of the methods of student researchers focusing upon five main issues, organization, time, equity, research style, and clashing cultures. (MJP)

Argues that use of theme-based curricula for preschool children is developmentally appropriate, provides an integrated approach to teaching and learning, enhances learning, and yields high levels of achievement. Provides supporting data from brain research and learning psychology. Includes a sample thematic unit and guidance for creating thematic…

Examines the theoretical base of New Brunswick's recent social studies curriculum reform. New Brunswick defines its curriculum in terms of understandings, competencies, and dispositions (emphasizing independent, creative, and critical learning). Expounds on social studies that is meaningful, integrative, value-based, challenging, and active. (MJP)

Discusses how teachers can offer an inclusive setting for personal and academic growth by orchestrating group work to engage and develop unique learners. The article emphasizes that a focused whole-group discussion of working preferences affirms the presence and validity of diverse styles and maximizes the climate for learning in the classroom.…

This article discusses England's development of an Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth. The academy will develop, implement, and support educational opportunities for gifted and talented children up to the age of 19, as well as provide support for parents and educators. The academy's talent search, outreach program, summer schools are described.…

Discusses studies that investigated the impact of the Web on student learning and compared Web-based with traditional courses. Focuses on individual differences, including gender differences and generational differences; instructional design, including interaction and electronic learning communities; and skills that are enhanced by online…

This article discusses the affective needs of gifted students and provides information about what counselors can offer to gifted adolescents and their teachers, including affective curriculum, training in active listening, and co-facilitation of discussion groups. Other strategies for addressing social and emotional concerns in programs are also…

A study investigated the multiyear effects of evidence-based literacy practices and a program to prevent early reading failure in one elementary school. Results indicate teachers did implement new evidence-based practices, use of these practices resulted in increases in silent reading, and growth in reading fluency was substantial overall.…

Focuses on the assessment of writing skills of incoming English-as-a-Second-Language college students in the United States and Canada. The article discusses the traditional impromptu essay and its alternatives, portfolio assessment and the Undergraduate Academic Writing Assessment (UAWA). The UAWA reveals students' previously unknown strengths and…

Deals with the vulnerable position of nursery education in 1990s Britain, given the changing nature of the family in society and particularly in view of nursery education's weakly articulated justification in the face of government intervention in education. Discusses current standards of evaluation (OFSTED inspections) and achievement and the…

Reports results of a study of internationalization practices of Japanese four-year colleges and universities with majors in humanities, social sciences, and education. Sketches Japan's policy concerning internationalization and its translation into higher education practice in the areas of numbers of students involved, program types, program…

Highlights the importance of outdoor play as a space for active learning, discovery, and development of motor skills. Provides suggestions for creating an outdoor curriculum, including how to get started, important materials, and activity ideas. Encourages teachers and caregivers to devote plenty of time and energy to outdoor learning. (SD)

Describes a study conducted at Ohio State University libraries that gauged success using the Library Resources Network by having 43 users complete an exercise that forced them to make database selections, use a variety of database interfaces, and select appropriate terminology. Sample screen displays and the questionnaire used are appended.…

Presents the Self-Actualization and Interdependence (SAI) model for teaching gifted students. The SAI model is a nongraded approach that groups children according to a age, class dynamics, relationship to teachers, and special interests and abilities. The curriculum aspects of the model are described. (CR)

Describes a systematic instructional process that incorporates the general steps of problem solving to develop a World Wide Web-based independent study course. Highlights include the educational setting, learner characteristics, method of assessment, learning processes, course assignments, interaction between faculty and students, course content,…