The characteristics and prestige associated with oncology and assessed shifts in medical students' perceptions as a result of participation in an oncology course are explored. Respondents were asked to rate the prestige of eight specialities and asked to select characteristics "that best describe each type of specialist." (MLW)

The growing complexity in the dental profession has contributed to the diversity of current specialities and practice modes. Dental students are seen to need time to explore this diversity of opportunities and plan for their futures. A survey of career assistance programs in U.S. dental schools is reported. (MLW)

The law schools' traditional three-year program of "generalist" training is being criticized as being either too lengthy or inefficient in preparing students for specialized practice. It is argued that student specialization in the general degree program can bring about both curriculum reform and increased collaborative activity among…

A study of 11,136 1987 medical school seniors' specialty choices, before entering medical school and in preparation for residency, found similar preferences at both points, regardless of racial-ethnic background. (Author/MSE)

Five medical school characteristics previously identified as related to choice of family practice as a specialty were examined, with tuition level, for relationship to specialty choice among U.S. medical graduates between July 1986 and December 1987. Only two of the factors were found to be statistically relevant. (Author/MSE)

In three decades, the osteopathic profession has moved from primarily manipulative therapy to full-service health care, replacing primary care emphasis with specialization. The profession should return to its original mission of primary care, establish links with allopathic medicine, and support new national policy for primary health care.…

In fall 1989, 88 doctoral programs in higher education offered 124 different courses, a body of knowledge that offers great potential for improving and professionalizing higher education administration. The field appears to be evolving from a generalized area of inquiry into a curriculum of professional specialization. (Author/MSE)

The COMET summer residential program at Purdue University (Indiana) offers gifted and talented youth in grades 4-6 a week of intensive study in a single content area. Courses stress specific problem-solving skills and development of a rich knowledge base. Extensive program evaluation by students, teachers, counselors, and parents was highly…

Society's demand for specialization discourages teachers from becoming skilled generalists. The result is intellectual impoverishment for schools and children. The greatest challenge is teaching students to think in holistic terms. Students must look beyond telecomputing to explore ideas and discover how technology itself is shaping their…

Examines 10 dichotomies in teacher education to see which ones are symptoms of larger problems in society and which fall within the province of the teacher education community. Condenses the 10 dichotomies down to two, focusing on the dependence of teacher education policy on a wider, but not always wise, public, and the effects of specialization…

A look at the history of music education in American colleges and universities indicates its late development. Suggestions for enhancing the nation's musical life include viewing composition, performance, and listening as integrated processes; developing a broader focus for music specialists; and paying more attention to musical literacy in the…

Discusses the historical context of the relationship between liberal study and professional specialization in higher education. Describes the emergence of three different university missions during the 19th century (utilitarian, research, liberal arts), shifting emphases during the 20th century, the current diversity in undergraduate education,…

Examines the school-within-a-school approach to middle-school design in creating multiple specialized learning environments for students. Discusses planning and designing these types of school environments, with emphasis on not confining or restricting students from experiencing the larger school environment's other functions and activities. (GR)

Reflects on the current tendency in Brazilian higher education for greater and greater specialization, particularly in human sciences and in medicine. Calls for less specialization and a more historic and general preparation, especially in teacher education. (BT)

In this article, the author describes seven movement-related areas of cognitive neuroscience research that will play key roles in shifting the current behavioral orientation of teaching and learning to an orientation that also incorporates cognitive neuroscience discoveries. These areas of brain research include: (1) mirroring system; (2) plastic…