Through the stories of nine teacher-innovators, factors that promote or impede grassroots change efforts in elementary school are examined, especially in terms of teachers' attempts to shift from traditional textbook, teacher-centered language and literacy curriculum to a learner-centered, whole-language approach. Identified three major sources of…

An investigation in which science/technology/society (STS) strategies were utilized for one class and traditional concept-organized strategies were utilized in another is described. Results are contrasted for students enrolled in an STS section and others in a non-STS section. Advantages of the STS program include improving process skills,…

Discusses the falling enrollments in sociology departments. Suggests that the decline may be a result of quality of subject matter presentation, an increase in career-oriented students, and the development of social work and criminal justice into departments separate from sociology. Urges sociology departments to strengthen their political…

This article describes outcome-based education (OBE) as a reform movement to develop high interest curricula, personalize learning, and develop climates favorable to student learning. Components concerning outcome identification, alignment of outcomes to processes, instructional design, and evaluation are discussed. OBE outcomes, instruction, and…

Research on science education (case studies, cost-effectiveness estimates, surveys, and experiments), particularly for primary and secondary schools in low- and middle-income areas, is reviewed. Meta-analysis suggests that science education in developing countries can be made more productive. Effective ways of promoting science education are…

Two articles discuss information professions in Africa. Highlights include the training of personnel at the middle level; library schools at the University of Ibadan and the University of Botswana; curriculum recommendations; and a review of 87 articles published between 1985 and 1989 that investigate areas of research in the information…

Presented is a method of reorganizing a high school geometry course to integrate coordinate geometry together with Euclidean geometry at an earlier stage in the course, thus enabling students to prove subsequent theorems from either perspective. Several examples contrasting different proofs from both perspectives are provided. (MDH)

This position statement of the Association of Teacher Educators and the National Association for the Education of Young Children offers teacher educators and policymakers guidelines for ensuring that all children from birth through eight years of age and their families have access to qualified early childhood teachers. (BB)

Utilizing student interviews, this study assessed fourth, eighth, and eleventh graders (n=105) in 11 Maine schools concerning their understanding of 4 natural and social science concepts related to pollution. The results hold direct implications for teaching strategies and curriculum design within the environmental and science education domains.…

Interviews with 14 teacher educators explore why gender issues (official guidance, teacher ideologies, teaching as women's work, and classroom survival) receive low-key treatment in initial teacher education in England and Wales. Interviews illustrate infusion of a women's studies perspective into teacher education and gender into the teacher…

Development and enhancement of multicultural and antiracist educational objectives in classes and educational materials that analyze the connection between racism and militarism are crucial for the development of opposition to U.S. interventionism and war making. African-American community resistance to expressed government explanations of Gulf…

A survey of approximately 60 college faculty members in several disciplines, all opposed to the Persian Gulf War, demonstrates their commitment to bringing the Gulf Crisis into the classroom democratically, not as an attempt to mobilize antiwar sentiment, but as an exercise in critical thinking. (SLD)

Discusses experiments in West Germany in integrating general and vocational education. Compares three models including expansion of the existing school form, establishment of a school association to develop a new form, and organization of school centers combining all previous school forms. Lists curricular integration, social integration, and…

Discusses objects, methods of instruction, content, and accomplishments of the undergraduate major in economics. Recommends a strong introductory sequence stressing application of economic tools, rigorous intermediate theory courses, background courses in quantitative methods, and a minimum of five economics electives. Suggests synthesis through a…

Examines teachers' roles as mediators of knowledge and cognitive learning in the classroom. Cites research findings concerning teacher effectiveness, expertise, and curriculum knowledge. Urges user-friendly, explicit methods of classroom teaching as opposed to child-centered learning without mediation by the teacher. Suggests that teacher…