Education & Pedagogy

European projects combining secondary vocational and general education with a dual orientation toward employment and postsecondary education were analyzed. Results showed that credentials with dual orientation facilitate mobility in the education system and labor market. Good practices need to be exchanged and transferred across national systems. (SK)

Suggests a definition of education to guide future Master of Arts (M.A.) in elementary and secondary education curriculum research and development, noting areas of teacher education study from which to draw and examine components of degree curricula (who should be admitted; sequencing the M.A. curriculum; and M.A. curriculum content). M.A. degree curriculum design proposals are presented. (SM)

Recent Canadian opinion surveys indicate that the public has great faith in Canadian educational institutions, is much more inclined to want student-centered educational services restored to previous levels than to want any major structural changes, is concerned about rising tuition costs for postsecondary education, and expresses strong demand for more postsecondary and adult education. (SV)

Increasing numbers of Canadians are removed from contact with nature and environmental degradation is increasing, yet the Ontario government is cutting funding for environmental and outdoor education in the public school system. Statements by scientists, educators, authors, government officials, and environmentalists note the importance of instilling environmental awareness in children, and of public education's role in that regard. (TD)

The teacher education profession needs to become more politically active. Because policy initiatives affect teacher education in very significant ways, it is important for teacher education professionals to mobilize the profession by providing expertise and leadership in the field. Recommendations for informing legislators and policymakers are included (e.g., prepare positions papers, testify at hearings, and keep informed about educational legislation). (SM)

Describes the professional development school, where an equal responsibility exists between the university and public school in teacher education. Compares it to the traditional practicum model. Explores the professional development partnership in music education and outlines a new model for the preparation of music teachers. (CMK)

Surveys the state of science education in Ireland from primary to third level and describes new initiatives in this area aimed at correcting the swing away from science at a time when the economy is becoming more science based. Focuses on the crucial role of science teachers in their preservice and inservice education in improving science education. (SAH)

Includes two articles that highlight changes in Eastern Europe's distance education in higher education institutions since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Examines the high demand for distance education in the Czech Republic and the need for training in distance education technology; and reports on the fourth Romanian Internet Learning Workshop. (LRW)

Core issues for postsecondary vocational education in community colleges are as follows: (1) one core mission of community colleges is work force development; (2) traditional vocational education (terminal programs preparing for entry-level jobs) is outmoded; (3) academic structures hinder flexibility and responsiveness; and (4) the subbaccalaureate market should be a focus. (Contains 36 references.) (SK)

Explores community service-learning as one way to address the multicultural dimensions of preservice science education. Provides background information on multicultural science education and the use of service learning. Presents a case study focusing on service learning and discusses the dimensions of service-learning to help preservice teachers implement multicultural science education. (CMK)

Discusses concerns in the education of allied health professionals from the perspective of a State agency responsible for coordinating higher education. Covers professional demand, methods for insuring responsibility to students, including the effective provision of clinical education, and program finance. (LAS)

Provision of free education at all levels is one of the most cherished political goals in modern society. Argues that in reality free education is likely to have the opposite effect to the one advocated by politicians, namely that it might further aggravate rather than alleviate social disparities. (Author/RK)

The need for high school instruction in electronic data processing and computers and the need for preservice and inservice education of high school teachers to teach data processing are examined, with suggestions for business educators on initiating better data processing training programs for themselves and for their students. (MF)

This research investigates, identifies, and describes successful operational model cooperative education programs for liberal arts students, provides teachers from liberal arts colleges with the opportunity to describe various approaches which have been successful, and attempts to guide all liberal arts education programs in all types of higher education institutions. (Author/RK)

Describes an approach to train teacher education students in interpersonal skills. Undergraduate secondary education students (N=21) received 20 hours of training in interpersonal skills followed by 10 hours of training in their classroom application. Results indicated that this type of training does promote significant development of these skills. (Author)