Describes the creation of the Ukrainian Montessori Association and the first Ukrainian Montessori Teacher Training Center in Kiev. The project goal, creation of a model Montessori school and teacher training capabilities, was achieved through transporting principles and practices from the United States to the Ukraine, translating the Montessori…

Discusses the advantages and problems of multi-year instruction or "looping." Looping improves relationships, increases student achievement, strengthens school-home partnerships, increases parental support, promotes discipline, and increases academic time. Briefly describes Tolland Middle School's implementation of multi-year…

Examines distance learning delivery by the LE (Learning Environment) Club project, a collaboration between several Further Education colleges and Fretwell-Downing, a library automation company. The project integrates computer-supported learning with library automation systems, and addresses issues of user interface metaphors; tracking and…

Attempts to sort out and address many of the issues, controversies, and concerns surrounding Ontario's adoption of a common curriculum. Finds confusion and factionalism on both sides exacerbated by a preponderance of jargon. Identifies and defines key features of the common curriculum. (MJP)

Describes the evolution of the Vermont state-mandated system of prospective teacher evaluation by portfolio and examines the Middlebury College (Vermont) portfolio design and its effect on restructuring of teacher preparation programs, the student teacher practicum, and professional relationships with cooperating teachers. (SM)

Traces the history of the Commonwealth Government's commitment to English language provision to non-English-speaking migrants to Australia. Article presents a comprehensive picture of the Adult Migrant English program as it currently operates in the wake of major recent change. Article explores the place of tuition for English as a Second Language…

Examines the development of a class at Brigham Young University (Utah) that blends distance and face-to-face students in a synchronous class. This case study focuses on how this blended learning environment was experienced by the distance and face-to-face students, as well as by the instructor. (MES)

The Step by Step Program is a model developed for countries struggling to make the transition to democratic societies in a period marked by enthusiasm for educational reform. The goal of the associated programs is educating a new participatory citizenry, beginning with children. Growth of programs across the world has resulted in a nongovernmental…

A literature review reveals differing conceptions of the learning outcomes achieved through practicums (workplace learning) in professional education. Five distinct approaches to student assessment are examined. Integration of the practicum with the instructional program provides opportunities for students to bring together a range of knowledge…

Describes and assesses the University of Adelaide (Australia) dental school's problem-based learning approach and five-year curriculum, including program design, instructional modules based on clinical situations, use of student reflective journals, and course evaluation. Introduction of the new curriculum has resulted in student perceptions that…

The Clinton Administration's proposed overhaul of the guaranteed student loan program would pay banks the amount of unpaid federal student loans, making the government the sole insurer of the loans. Guarantee agencies feel this action would strip them of their primary tasks of reimbursing lenders for unpaid loans. The initiative is intended to…

Provides an exercise for introducing research methods to undergraduates. The students view a graph revealing that left-handed people are underrepresented in older age groups. Small group discussions attempt to explain this phenomenon. A follow-up class discussion focuses on the different approaches and methods available for interpreting the data.…

Explores trends in learning and learning environments, and makes projections regarding the future role of teachers and school library media specialists. Discusses nonlinear environments, student-centered instruction, school Intranets, the Internet, curriculum design, learning facilitation, teachers as coaches, collaboration, information literacy,…

Discusses the role of instructional media specialists in elementary and secondary schools. Topics include educational background, including technical skills, curriculum planning, and instructional design; classroom teachers; library media specialists and the change from teaching library skills to facilitating information literacy; the role of…

Considers what the future of education could look like. Highlights include electronic learning and distance education scenarios; new educational models with no traditional classrooms; community and business involvement; instructional design and assessment practices; higher-order skills; educational research; professional development; technology…