A survey of all 16 Canadian medical schools found that 15 provided some ethics education. Time allocated ranged from 10-45 hours per degree, with no discernible pattern of distribution across years. Most teaching was case based and issue oriented, most instructors were physicians, and most schools used a pass-fail standard. (Author/MSE)

Undergraduate education is illiberal because the progression from general to specialized learning does not support students in learning how to make choices or explore their consequences. Courses late in the student's program, rather than at the outset, that explore disciplinary boundaries and interconnections could be useful. (MSE)

The problems and possibilities that have arisen since the Key Stage 3 of the National Science Curriculum was implemented in the United Kingdom are discussed. The assessment strategies used with various attainment targets are described. The influence of the National Curriculum on testing is addressed. (KR)

In response to HE 528 462, the author suggests the use of student-generated learning issues in problem-based medical education should place more emphasis on mechanisms in the generation of learning issues, the ramifications of various degrees of student input into the identification of issues, and the role of teacher-learner negotiations in the…

Presents an experimental secondary school curriculum as drafted by the Soviet Union's Ministry of Education in 1987. Intended for implementation (after modifications) by the year 2000, as part of perestroika and educational reform. Examines the curriculum's rationale. Lists school subjects, indicating number of hours and grades in which they…

Critiques the California History Social Science Framework's structuring of world history. Suggests some ideas for developing conceptual and organizational course models that can effectively accommodate the framework's subject matter recommendations while presenting a more holistic view of world history. (DB)

Although it is not clear how important undergraduate professional education is in final practice behavior of the health professional, it is probable that graduates of problem-based curricula will be more effective continuing learners and therefore better practitioners because of a more positive feeling about learning and acquisition of…

The process used by the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine to develop core curriculum guidelines for third-year family medicine clerkships is described, the guidelines are presented, and dissemination, implementation, and further development activities are outlined. The work was supported by a Department of Health and Human Services grant.…

A study investigated differences in National Board of Medical Examiners Part I scores for students at the College of Human Medicine (Michigan) in two preclinical medicine curricula, one problem based and one traditional, during four distinct periods. Results illustrate the difficulty of comparing the curricula, given revisions over time. (MSE)

Examines different ways in which a range of computer-mediated communication tools can be used in similar classroom settings. Argues that curriculum design for writing classes is inextricably tied to how computer communications will be used in the class. Presents results of a semester-long study of two first-year writing classes using computers.…

Schools and higher education institutions in Sweden have developed a wide range of innovative and demanding curricula to meet the objectives of Sweden's environmental policy. Describes the education system of Sweden and the environmental education curricula for compulsory schools, upper-secondary schools, universities, and inservice teacher…

Argues that the behavioral or "human" sciences are fundamentally different in scope and intent from the natural sciences. Describes the use of controversial topics in undergraduate courses and provides a four-step process. Recommends using Karl Popper's falsification theory to help students think critically about issues. (CFR)

Describes problems associated with teaching a multigraded social studies class. Relates an apocryphal story about how one teacher used innovative practices in a multigraded class but aroused administrative ire. Questions whether scores on achievement tests are more important than critical-thinking and decision-making skills. (CFR)

A study explored the impact of structured team problem solving (STEPS) on 15 cognitive and social skills and examined learning outcomes among 26 undergraduates in a health science course. Results suggest STEPS can enhance problem-based learning (PBL) by improving task completion and group processes and may enable implementation of PBL in larger…

Examines the curriculum at the Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology (Canada) to show that training for library technicians is primarily skills based. Discusses factors influencing change in Ontario programs; programs in other parts of Canada, United States, and Australia; comparison with graduate programs; and unresolved issues…