A study of 30 first-year medical students in a physiology course found that frequent evaluation had a profound negative effect on learning, with students adopting a surface reproductive approach geared to passing exams rather than integrating knowledge. Lectures and curriculum organization failed to affect student use and structure of knowledge.…

Considers the relationship between early childhood education and the public schools, including the "developmental" versus "academic" debate, the role of kindergarten, and the influence of developmental psychology on early childhood education. Maintains that a sense of separateness from public schools is a detriment for those involved in early…

Discusses history instruction in the public schools. Describes the deemphasis of history as social studies began to stress citizenship and social education. Argues that history will not regain an important place in education until historians begin to justify study of the past as a lesson in human life, wisdom, and mistakes. (DK)

Greece was late to incorporate environmental education into its education system. Experience has been largely with experimental programs and some teacher education. A 1990 law mandates integration of environmental education into the curricula, and cooperation between governmental and nongovernmental agencies has begun. The complex and traditional…

Implications of competency-based education for dental assistants and hygienists are examined. Such an approach would provide assistance in defining evolving roles in delivery of dental care; help in defining national competencies and analyzing appropriateness of current care; and a mechanism for developing curriculum that responds to community…

A survey of 156 dental hygiene education programs, a majority in community colleges, investigated whether and to what extent they taught nonsurgical gingival curettage. Faculty attitudes about teaching the technique, reasons for not teaching it, and reasons for wanting to include it in their programs were also elicited. (MSE)

A survey of 280 social work educators investigated views on inclusion of curriculum content on religion and spirituality. Most supported inclusion of such a course primarily as an elective. Concerns about how these subjects would be handled in courses was expressed. Appropriate course focus and teaching approaches are discussed. (Author/MSE)

Discusses the place of moral education in Spain's educational system. Contends that the particular political and social context in which Spanish education has developed has caused moral education to acquire a special nature that is different from even neighboring nations. (CFR)

Contends that geographic literacy should not be taught in isolation but integrated with content. Recommends the use of children's literature to motivate students and enrich instruction. Describes how children's literature can be used to teach the 5 themes of geography and includes a list of 24 recommended books. (CFR)

Discussion of the newly modified United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 reviews the test, phase-in plans, and potential impact on basic biomedical sciences education. It is recommended that medical schools not use the test as the sole criterion for promotion to the third year and carefully review other examination-related requirements…

A survey of 97 medical schools found 65 percent offer instruction in patient health education and 74 percent offer instruction in community health promotion. A number of departments participate, and diverse methods of instruction and evaluation are used. Respondents favored such instruction but identified time constraints as an obstacle.…

Discusses the teaching of history and social studies in Connecticut. Addresses curricular and teacher certification requirements, continuing education units (CEUs), and mastery testing. Identifies problems and suggests possible alternatives for evaluating tenth grade students' social studies knowledge. Briefly describes the role of the Connecticut…

Examines the role of numbers and statistical data in history research and history instruction. Contends that many historians and history teachers are unwilling or unable to use numeric data effectively. Argues that statistical analysis is essential for many historical themes and topics. (CFR)

Presents results of a study of parental involvement in curriculum planning and enrichment in four London (England) primary schools. Reports that the program implementing parent teacher cooperation was successful in terms of student achievement, parental enjoyment, and teacher satisfaction. Discusses the importance of home, school, and the outside…

Curriculum policies of New York, California, Texas, and Florida are analyzed in light of their potential to control local educational practice. Examination of consistency, prescriptives, authority, and power of these policies indicates that state policies may have reduced, but have not eliminated, local curricular control. (SLD)