Defines boredom, identifies the conditions in which boredom flourishes, and presents a series of suggestions for instructional design strategies that deal with boredom before it becomes an educational problem. An outline--indicating the importance of novelty, surprisingness, incongruity, and uncertainty in averting boredom--and a reference list…

Discusses the active contribution a learner/user must make in using a dictionary and breaks the look-up process into seven main steps. (EKN)

Defines computer literacy, reviews the potential applications of computers as educational aids, and discusses the major areas of competence required of teachers who will deal with computers in an instructional setting--either as users or as programers. (JL)

A review of the literature addressing the subject of faculty workload under three topics is presented: (1) defining faculty workload; (2) elements of faculty workload and their relative weighting; and (3) faculty load formulas. Five "load laws" to be observed in the design of a faculty workload system are detailed. (MLW)

Discusses the meaning and objectives of global education and presents recommendations for expanding the global dimension of the K-12 social studies curriculum. Cultural diversity and interdependence should be emphasized to prepare students to become effective participants in future world affairs (AM).

Citing William Spady's distinction between capacity and competence, the author asserts that current competency tests mainly measure academic (capacity) not life (competency) skills. He then considers problems inherent in delineating, teaching, and testing essential practical living competencies and presents some alternatives. Part of a theme issue…

Analyzed is the change in policies for the education of minorities in England and Wales since 1966; various concepts of cultural change; assumptions about the unchangeability of cultures; some theories regarding race relations, cultural assimilation, and racial discrimination; and what is likely to happen in the majority of educational…

Discusses the disparity between social problems and problem solving as practiced in sociology theory and in the classroom. Problem definition is lacking due to fuzziness in this area historically. Recommends emphasis on student problem identification, integration of knowledge, and decision-making skills. (CK)

Competence, defined as the ability to accomplish an essential performance characteristic in a satisfactory fashion, is examined from the podiatric education viewpoint. The factors involved in continuing competence, factors making continuing competence essential in health professions, and basic problems relating to clinical competence are…

For the past 25 years, environmental education has been a widely discussed, highly politicized cross-curricular area in Great Britain and the United States, with disagreements about its composition and social purpose. Explores whether either or both historical cross-national experiences can guide today's environmental educators. The…

Defines and describes phenomenography as a research methodology, and argues for its utility in examining aspects of higher education. Reviews research in higher education using the phenomenographic approach, outlines cautions in using it, and discusses alternative explanations offered in the debate over phenomenography. Previews a series of…

Conceptualizes parental involvement in schools from perspectives of 57 (upper middle-class) parents with elementary-age children. Respondents defined parental involvement, rated current school practices for involvement, and suggested methods to increase participation. Meaningful involvement is individualized to family situations and focuses…

Reviews the constitutional and political issues that are likely to be considered as the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child moves toward ratification by the U.S. Senate. A review of juvenile justice, education, religious freedom, and definitional concerns concludes that political issues are the real stumbling block. (SLD)

Service learning is an inclusive pedagogy appropriate for children, youth, and adults of all cultural backgrounds. Such programs share a commitment to lifelong learning and a philosophical base in experiential education. Planners need to choose an appropriate point of reference, identify learning goals, define activities accordingly, combine…

This article summarizes research supporting claims that offering opportunities for planning and reflection in early years promotes development of thinking and reasoning. Strategies to encourage planning include ensuring that children can see areas and materials during planning, asking children questions, encouraging children to elaborate on plans,…