Focuses on: (1) components of a basic core of knowledge essential for all people working in the field of aging; (2) knowledge essential for professions related to biomedical science, human services, social and physical environment; and (3) knowledge essential for clinical psychology, nursing, nutrition, and social work. (Author)

Provides criteria to apply when considering the development or purchase of programs or instructional materials for character education. Establishes the importance of including character education in professional development, both at the inservice and preservice levels. Includes a list of six teaching principles for effective character educators.…

Examined the transcripts of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) and non-ESL students at 10 community and senior colleges in New York to compare grades in six categories of academic courses. Findings revealed that ESL students performed satisfactorily in comparison to their non-ESL peers with two exceptions. (11 references) (Author/CK)

Reports on a survey of geographers who graduated 1, 5, and 10 years ago from different British universities. The students identified the features of their geography training that had been of greatest value to them in their career and pinpointed aspects that could have been better developed. (MJP)

Because of rapid changes in the information profession, librarians must actively pursue their own professional development. Presents strategies to enhance this skill in future librarians, including journal discussion clubs, portfolios, peer review, action learning, current awareness strategies, and learning to approach new technologies…

Reports on a study of the characteristics of interactions in the computer conferences on "TeleNex", a computer network for the professional development of English as Second Language (ESL) teachers in Hong Kong. A framework of message analysis is described and results of a user questionnaire are discussed. (Author/LRW)

Discusses mentoring as a professional development strategy to meet the needs of experienced and novice practitioners. Defines mentoring and differentiates it from supervision. Discusses the following aspects of early childhood mentoring programs: (1) goals and assumptions; (2) design and structure, including mentor qualifications and training; (3)…

Presents the results of a statewide survey of Kansas art teachers. Teachers revealed that Discipline Based Art Education had little influence on them. Primary areas of concern were lack of funding and low status of art programs. Includes statistical analysis of the relationship between teaching experience, level of education, and teaching…

A qualitative study investigated the evolving university liaison role in developing and implementing a professional development school partnership. Partnership governance is outlined, and issues and obstacles to collaboration are examined. An important obstacle is the university faculty promotion and reward system. Steps taken to promote faculty…

Highlights the importance of teacher education that places preservice teachers in the classroom for extended time periods before they engage in education courses, demonstrating how a teaching approach that acknowledges and builds upon early experiences can have positive results when preservice teachers take ownership of their own professional…

The Valley City State University (North Dakota) Center for Innovation in Instruction serves the entire state as an educational, informational, and support center for use of emerging technologies in education. The center supports instructional innovation, provides professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators, promotes…

This study investigated how undergraduate students make meaning from instances of cultural conflict within juvenile novels. Student logs, discussion groups, postwriting, and classroom observations indicated that the case method had strengths and weaknesses, but overall, it encouraged reflection on critical issues. (SM)

Provides summary reports of 81 innovative approaches to medical education in the areas of program management and assessment, admission and student-support programs, computer applications, preclinical and clinical course integration, development of professional skills and values, introduction to clinical medicine, community-based experiences,…

Reviews the literature on the characteristics of the good language learner and language teacher, showing those traits contributing to effective language learning as well as literature outlining practices and activities contributing to the development of a good language teacher. Includes an activity performance checklist. (14 references) (Author/CK)

The first part of this article looks at new roles and responsibilities for teachers, and how they develop from the mission and goals of the professional development school (PDS). The second part examines how experienced and preservice teachers are being prepared and supported for these new roles, and explores implications for schools,…