Examines the use of technology under two different contexts: university courses for future middle school teachers, and middle school classrooms. Emphasizes the need for young adolescents to become technologically literate. Discusses different programs to help middle school students learn how to use technology, and at the same time helping them…

Examines the perceptions of European teenagers living in Europe regarding that continent. The study focuses on their declared knowledge sources, attitudes towards a European identity and second language learning and future aspirations. The article discusses the role of schools, the media, and the home environment in shaping the perceptions of…

Outlines the benefits and limitations of automated assessment and offers practical advice for individuals and departments considering a move in that direction. Maintains that using optical mark readers (OMRs) in conjunction with objective tests can result in significant time savings. Briefly discusses using OMRs for student evaluations. (MJP)

Analyzes a research project that utilizes a coherent conceptual model of art education research incorporating the demand for empirical rigor and providing for diverse interpretive frameworks. Briefly profiles the NUD*IST (Non-numerical Unstructured Data Indexing Searching and Theorizing) software system that can organize and retrieve complex…

Examines types and functions of useful definitions of art in education. Considers the strengths and limitations of functionalist and proceduralist definitions. Identifies art as a concept operating within a culture; therefore, recommends embracing a variety of definitions to be used in contextually significant ways. (MJP)

Asserts that the nature and components of fieldweek (a week-long field program common to United Kingdom undergraduate geography) are adaptable to current educational changes and needs. These programs emphasize problem solving, real-world experience, and transferable skills. Briefly examines successful programs in Belgium and the Netherlands. (MJP)

The Ohio Appalachian Center for Higher Education, a consortium of 10 colleges serving Appalachian Ohio, provides grants to school districts that design innovative projects to encourage students to enroll in college. The area's college-going rate has increased substantially. Approaches used include demystifying the application process, home visits,…

Outlines principles and guidelines for creating productive choral rehearsals and provides examples of each. These include pre-planning and organizing the rehearsal, following a synthesis-analysis-synthesis model, stressing "doing," keeping the rehearsal challenging and unpredictable, and focusing on positive improvement. (MJP)

In adventure education, risk is important to achieving program objectives. An increased concern with legal liability and the concentration of media attention on negative outcomes have contributed to an increased social aversion to risk. Adventure education must establish that risk leads to personal growth and can be managed constructively in the…

Describes the founding and role of the nonprofit organization Udbhas, which promotes literacy among children in the slums of Calcutta while providing a level of food, clothing, and social and educational experiences generally absent from their homes. Discusses the children's background and identifies problems in bringing learning to these…

Revisits the middle-level school movement. Provides an overview of young adolescents' development, offers representative examples of developmentally appropriate practices, and looks at progress educators have made as well challenges encountered. Emphasizes the importance of understanding physical, pychosocial, and cognitive development in young…

Describes a study to determine the effectiveness of six community college occupational programs based on the perceptions of students nearing graduation, graduates, and employers. Major study components were the relationship between enrollment objectives and postgraduation activities, satisfaction with programs, and job preparedness and placement…

Clarifies the concept of universal basic education. Highlights the need for performance criteria and ways to measure literacy attainment. Identifies issues related to improving primary education, seeing adult literacy as its necessary complement. Underscores the substantial resources required to achieve universal basic education. (CH)

Introduces law-related education (LRE) projects developed in Texas, highlighting the State Bar of Texas' LRE curriculum, "Law in a Changing Society." Identifies LRE's nontraditional methods, including role playing, simulations, debates, mock trials, and lectures from community professionals. Stresses LRE's ability to teach responsible…

Recognizing the diversity in Kenya, examines education's goal to promote national unity. Analyzes three government policy initiatives, derived from the Mackay, Ominde, and Gacathi reports, based on psychological, cultural, and economic definitions of what constitutes a nation. Resolves the confusion in educational policy intended to promote and…