Examines two myths or misperceptions associated with premedical education, that of the "premedical syndrome" (over-achieving, competitive, cynical, and narrowly focused students), and the "cutthroat medical student" (competitive to the point of undermining others). The origins of the myths, the purposes they may serve, why they…

Because there are no universal standards for educational technology, curricular materials in medical education cannot be easily managed, reused, or shared with other educators and institutions. A standardized, object-oriented architecture is needed to facilitate these processes. The Instructional Management Systems specification, which has emerged…

Highlights development of a comprehensive core curriculum program at Ursuline College in Ohio in which the curriculum is integrated, interdisciplinary, and sequential, and embodies both learning and developmental goals. Several themes are identified that can be relevant to any college: (1) importance of theory, (2) importance of mission, (3)…

Primary public education in France originated in the 19th- century "ecole republicaine." Since the 1960s, elementary schools have been integrated into a (universally attended) preschool to secondary school system. The elementary level is characterized by modernistic pedagogy, a child-development focus, and a psycho-affective…

Discussion of the role of literature in the college second-language program, and in liberal arts education in general, argues that it is an ethical obligation to teach literary competence, or literary sensitivity, in the language of the author, because the "great books" are those that combine stylistic refinement with deep insight into the human…

An examination of the salient characteristics and benefits of a technology-enriched curriculum for second-language learners underscores the pivotal role technology can play in second-language teaching. The current challenge is to adequately train teachers in the effective use of such curricula. (MSE)

The College Park Scholars Program at the University of Maryland is a learning community, based on the model of a residential college, that was designed to attract and retain academically talented undergraduates. Three experiential learning components developed by faculty for the curriculum are colloquia, service learning units, and discovery…

Describes an upper-level high-school science course that provides students with hands-on experience in applying classroom physics to practical problems. Explores how the course prepares serious science students for future work while they have fun. Past projects have included establishing a speed trap on campus, restoring the school's observatory,…

Examines the invention of school effectiveness as a specific curriculum and pedagogical discourse that has captivated researchers, policymakers, and politicians. Considers school-effectiveness research methodology, politics, and underlying epistemological assumptions. Explores the dilemmas confronting inclusive education research. The concepts of…

Describes the American Association of Community Colleges' first summit on workforce development. Presents key points from the summit, including: (1) the possible creation of a National Business Forum; (2) the marketing of community colleges as a major part of economic development in the nation; and (3) a more unified research agenda among and…

Analyzes changes in oral communication skills of five American adult learners who participated in a five-week study abroad program in Spanish. Subjective analysis of recordings of participants upon their return show that four participants increased their command of the vocabulary and were more at ease in discourse interaction. (14 references)…

Describes a curriculum design approach, "the ill-structured problem," based on real life situations, that was used for a summer gifted foreign language program for fifth- and sixth-grade students in the Chesapeake Public Schools, Virginia. Elements of problem-based learning are described, including the problem comes first, the problem is…

This article discusses a partnership among professionals in Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Hungary to construct a useful learning tool for adults with learning difficulties. It describes development of the training needs scale that includes units in three main educational areas: social work skills, new technologies, and European…

A review of articles on self-determination and self-advocacy published between 1992 and 1999 found that, with systematic instruction, students with a wide range of disabilities can acquire self-determination skills. Researchers have documented changes for students with learning disabilities, mental retardation, emotional disabilities, and…

Outlines the procedures followed in the needs analysis (NA) project carried out in 1996 at the College of Petroleum and Engineering at Kuwait University. Focuses on the steps taken in the project and the rationale behind them. Offers an illustration of an NA project and to show the procedural steps involved. (Author/VWL)