The schools are discussed as character-building institutions, where academic and behavior standards should encourage self-discipline and learning. Less emphasis on ego-building psychology, removing nonessential subjects from the curriculum, and increasing quality at the elementary and secondary school levels are viewed as corrective measures. (PP)

Describes how a group of primary schools in Northern Ireland plan to make the shift to a differentiated curriculum. Differentiation, in this context, refers to a broad effort to teach to individual students' abilities and needs. Concludes that although progress was made, more work needs to be done. (MJP)

Reviews pedagogical claims of computer assisted language learning (CALL), multimedia applications and outcomes, and new research in second language acquisition. Findings reveal that computer mediated communication gives second language learners the opportunity to enhance their learning experience. (88 references) (Author/CK)

Historical and recent examples indicate that, in the areas of property ownership/use and tribal self-government, federal policy has frequently ignored complexities and abandoned Indians to learn from their experiences. Indian college students can substitute professional education for practical experience to ensure tribal survival and sensible land…

Examines reasons for incorporating field trips into the curriculum, ways to plan successful expeditions, and appropriate field trip experiences for young children. (BB)

Proposes an approach to educational change that is nondisruptive to the present system, produces meaningful and lasting learning outcomes, and is cost-effective. Identifies the elements involved in creating this approach: learning and thinking models, technology integration, shared vision of the future, professional practice, interdisciplinary…

Narrative authority is presented as an alternative to positivism in teacher education research and curricula, emphasizing the personal practical knowledge of everyone involved in teacher education. After describing Dewey's conception of experience, the paper discusses the construction of knowledge from experience and the influence of authority,…

This study compared the learning attitudes of 131 undergraduate medical students enrolled in sections of a course that used a problem-based learning (PBL) approach with 120 students enrolled in sections using conventional teaching methods. Student surveys indicated that the PBL course experience was perceived as a personally more meaningful…

A teacher at an alternative school for at-risk students discusses the development of student assessment that increases students' self-esteem, convinces students that learning is fun, and prepares students to return to traditional school settings. She found that allowing students to participate in the assessment process successfully quantified the…

The Socratic method of teaching, which uses open-ended questions asked in a logical sequence, is discussed. Suggestions for structuring curriculum content around seven adult learning principles and Socratic process analysis systems for student motivation are included. (SLW)

Introduces the concept of service learning, defines it in contrast to volunteerism or internships, describes how the program ties in with the academics of the classroom, and addresses the benefits service learning provides to students, faculty, and community agencies. Delineates the flexibility and creativity of such programs, and expands upon…

In this article, the author discusses two major conclusions about initial preparation programs in the United States. On the upside, a good deal of energy and hard work is being poured into attempts to revitalize preparation programs. On the downside, people are not seeing much in the way of real improvement; that is, most of the change is on the…

In this article we build a theoretical framework with which to analyse trendsetting learning biographies; that is, biographies that are prototypical realisations of a cultural script about how young people learn and live in late modernity. In the current debate on lifelong learning in knowledge-based societies learners are interpreted in an…

This qualitative study investigated contextual influences involved in college student identity development. It examined events, experiences, and relationships that alumni suggest either nourished or thwarted their perceptions of multiple dimensions of their identity during college. Findings suggest that self-perceptions of identity often change as…

The United States has been swept up in the "Harry Potter" phenomenon, with film adaptations, companion readers, and literary critique and analysis following J. K. Rowling's books on the adolescent wizard's adventures. The book has also touched off a reaction from conservative Christian institutions seeking to ban the books in school…