An approach to teaching university-level environmental education that uses structured controversy to challenge and enhance students' conceptions of environmental issues is described. Students are confronted with alternative viewpoints and evidence and engage in peer discussion to formulate their own position, understand other viewpoints, see the…

Discusses the debate surrounding multiculturalism and the expansion of the literary canon by examining Stanford University's decision not to require Plato's "Republic." Suggests that the criteria for the core curriculum should not be principally based on the extent to which a work contributes to the reduction of demeaning attitudes. (28…

A discussion of violence in schools offers an alternative to the common interpretation that violence is due to individual pathological behavior. It is proposed that several factors may be involved, including male gender identity and privilege associated with adult status. Some curriculum implications are considered. Discussion is framed in the…

A study investigated the independent study and research skills of Year 11 secondary students (n=460) and the research and study skills instruction by teachers (n=54) in the Australian studies component of the Victoria Certificate of Education (VCE) curriculum. Results found many students not competent in using resources independently and few…

Describes a study conducted at a multicampus community college district in northern California to determine whether general education (GE) was structured and implemented for the primary purpose of generating large amounts of revenue and whether a disproportionately higher rate of return is generated from GE compared with non-GE curricula. (27…

A study of five secondary schools in three Australian states looks at the implementation of "pathways" goals, such as the measurement of educational outcomes in terms of economic purpose. Both the possibilities and the limitations of the pathways approach as public policy for postcompulsory education are examined. Full implementation of…

This article proposes that law schools teach trial advocacy and appellate advocacy as a two-course sequence, in which a "trial" is conducted in the first semester and appealed in the second. Students would work on teams and gain experience representing either the party with the burden of proof or the responsive party. (MSE)

Suggests that the crisis in library education stems from the focus on practical applications promoted by Melvil Dewey. In order to adapt to the changing world of information, the profession must develop new theoretical approaches and reform library school curricula to reflect these new theories of librarianship. (JKP)

This study identifies the characteristics in several models of curriculum design that may be appropriate in the teaching of modern foreign language students for school practice. The study concludes that no one mode is ideal and that an eclectic approach is desirable. (15 references) (CK)

A survey of Oregon dentists (n=248) and dental hygienists (n=235) investigated frequency of patient-initiated sexual advances and methods of dealing with them. Up to 44 percent experienced 1 or more patient verbal advances, and 23 percent experienced physical advances during a 5-year period. Inclusion of related issues in professional curricula is…

Presents a Russian student's reactions to a U.S. Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. Reports that marketing previously had been unfamiliar to the student. Suggests that the U.S. business curriculum is more regimented and more concrete than its former Soviet counterpart. Discusses general differences between the two cultures. (SG)

Examines majaor constituent ideas of education (from Durkheim, Plato, Rousseau, Dewey), suggesting that they are mutually incompatible and consequently result in an incoherent concept of education. Proposes an educational scheme that would develop the kinds of understanding developed in cultural history, which would require focus on imaginative…

A reflective judgment model of adult intellectual development is proposed, for use by college faculty and staff in helping students question their assumptions about knowing and learning and in making more reflective judgments. The model is based on cognitive development theory and has specific implications for the college years. (MSE)

Discusses the use of interdisciplinary units in education by highlighting methodological considerations, specific benefits, and possible approaches to interdisciplinary instruction. Indicates that interdisciplinary approaches achieve coherence, avoid fragmented learning, order information, reduce background information requirements, connect…

A well-designed college course syllabus can serve a variety of purposes: as an agreement between teacher and student; as a device for communicating intent, seriousness, and expectations; as an overall plan of action for the course; and as a cognitive map of the course to share with students. This article identifies the major components of a good…