Using classroom observation and interviews in a naturalistic study, investigates how a secondary social studies teacher's personal practical theories influence curricular and teaching practices. Finds the teacher's practice congruent with her beliefs. States the study increased the teacher's awareness of her own theories. Proposes a curriculum…

Examines the introduction of compulsory school attendance in the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter (England) following the 1870 Education Act in order to explore class relations and the role of education. Demonstrates the significance of viewing children and parents as agents who initiate activities relative to compulsory school requirements. (KO)

A medical school course integrating basic science and clinical issues consists of 13 problem-based learning exercises, each exploring a clinical case. Using networked terminals in specially-designed small-group rooms, students progress through cases with a faculty facilitator. Users cite access to better images, accountability, and juxtaposition…

Reports the results of a case study of home computing use in an Open University (Great Britain) multimedia course. The use of student questionnaires and journals is described; and student attitudes about relating new information to existing knowledge, retention, transfer of knowledge, the need for reference materials, and time spent are discussed.…

Examines, through an interview technique based on models and pictures, the impact of the language of instruction on concept development in Form One and Form Three science students. Analysis of the data collected suggests that the language of instruction significantly affects concept attainment for Form One students, but not for Form Three,…

Current and likely future national policy and procedures for British university program evaluation are discussed, including assessments undertaken at different levels of governance. Issues in the national debate over assessment and accountability are enumerated and illustrated in the case of the University of Brighton. Persistent difficulties in…

This study explored the experiences of faculty and staff at a Minnesota technical college involved in a statewide initiative to develop innovative models for providing equal opportunities to students with disabilities. The findings suggest meaningful change tended to occur when those involved saw themselves as authors of change rather than its…

Describes a study conducted in the United Kingdom to discover what processes learner physiotherapists experience in clinical education and whether their experience is comparable to that of other students in medical professions. The need for feedback is addressed, and the role of the clinical educator is discussed. A form for student assessment is…

Three Chicago (Illinois) vocational high schools illustrate contrasting histories in African-American education and economic opportunity: Washburne Trade School reinforced trade union exclusion of African Americans; Dunbar Vocational High School directed African Americans into lower-paying trades, and Chicago Vocational School prepared the white…

Analyzes concepts of access and success as they relate to educational practice for homeless students, describing a congressional policy shift and barriers to education. A survey of 45 state coordinators and a case study of the Chicago (Illinois) public schools reveal how difficult it is to provide success for homeless students. (SLD)

Proposes to discover what "at risk" students and their teacher could do to bring meaning and life to a basic-track English curriculum. Relates findings that support the view that it is the quality of students' literary experiences, not their tracking placement, that influences the efficacy of these experiences. (DSK)

Demonstrates that the literature on the Scandinavian welfare state incorporates gender as a central concept for both measurement and evaluation. Argues that the Scandinavian case lends itself to a variety of European and non-European comparative courses. Provides several specific suggestions for integrating this material into broader courses. (MJP)

Surveys 320 Japanese families residing temporarily in the United Kingdom about their language use and language needs and the priorities they attach to their children's learning of English and Japanese. Examines English and Japanese in the children's linguistic environment, including language used with parents, siblings, and care givers;…

A University of Minnesota pilot study of administrator evaluation had administrators (n=46) help define the leadership behaviors and outcomes on which they would be evaluated, then gain feedback from peers whose opinion they valued. The feedback process was computerized. Participants perceived the method as fair, valid, reliable, and personally…

An Illinois College of Optometry faculty development project focuses on improvement of classroom teaching methods. Topics that have been addressed to date include improving lecture skills, a lecture teaching lab, case-based laboratories, promoting student problem-solving in clinical situations, effective feedback and supervision, and the student…