Examines the current curriculum debate between revisionist (liberal) and revanchist (conservative) theorists. Argues that critical and self-critical interactions on both sides are needed to promote intellectual consideration of the problem of curriculum design. (MM)

Delineates why the National Commission for the Social Studies provides an excellent opportunity for improving social studies education. Identifies several issues the Commission must address, including the value of teaching social studies, the content of social studies curriculum, and when and how to teach the social studies. (LS)

This article looks at the implications of the Culture Syllabus of the National Core French Study for Canadian French teachers. It also examines some of the suggestions made regarding how culture should be taught. (JL)

Discusses some of the complex questions differentiation raises that have been glossed over as unproblematical and questions some of the assumptions underlying differentiation that have remained unchallenged. Areas needing further research are discussed. (13 references) (CK)

This paper argues that problem-based learning in higher education offers more constructive ways of thinking and acting in times of educational change. The same problem-based approach can illuminate some of the issues in current efforts at educational reform and assist in bringing about constructive change. (MSE)

What is perceived as poor fit between liberal arts and the individual disciplines results not from narrow subject matter or analytical focus but from the disciplines keeping too many of the interesting questions to themselves. College students are not exposed enough to the reasons their teachers find their fields compelling. (MSE)

Five principles for curriculum development are need for conceptual framework; attitudes and beliefs about learning; epistemological rationale; macro- and micro-level curriculum development and planning; and awareness of political realities. (SK)

Examines how information processing theory provided a way to retrieve and structure an individual's 25 years of practical public school administration experience. Describes the resulting framework of "knowledge boxes" including: declarative knowledge, procedural knowledge, conditional knowledge, and enabling knowledge. Organization of…

Colorado College is reconsidering its block scheduling, in which students take eight immersion courses consecutively within the academic year, rather than taking several courses concurrently. Advantages of block scheduling include more intensive instruction and increased student focus on subject matter. Some students and faculty are concerned that…

Shares guidelines for identifying and structuring worthwhile mathematical tasks and gives suggestions for successful classroom approaches in light of the NCTM Standards documents. (MKR)

The Canadian National Core French Study's (NCFS) views on what culture is and how it should be taught is examined and compared with more traditional approaches to the teaching of culture. Implications for educators are discussed in light of the NCFS recommendations and other theoretical positions on the teaching of culture. (six references)…

Various approaches to translation are noted, and a case is made for reconsidering the benefits of using and teaching translation in foreign language programs to meet society needs. Practical advantages are cited, including benefits to students and the broadened curriculum, and possible topics to include are listed. (15 references) LB)

Responds to a response to the authors' article on the development of a communication studies program at Iowa State University. Discusses some principles that might help others in reviewing their own departmental priorities and mission in developing a major that emphasizes the study of human communication. (RS)

Describes a study that sought to identify music skills and understandings that early childhood and elementary school classroom teachers perceived as useful. Reports that teachers favored those aspects that enabled them to present music as a supplement to other areas of study or as recreational or transitional activities. (SG)

Presents existing ideas on designing curriculum experiences in consultation and offers suggestions for training and supervising school counselors-in-training. Concludes that, for consultation to be effective as primary intervention within comprehensive developmental school counseling programs, planned instruction through didactic methods,…