Education & Pedagogy

Discussion of medical education in Spain looks briefly at history and early reforms, then examines the current system, including emphasis on traditional teaching methods, focus on faculty research over teaching, inadequate resident assessment, and lack of coordination among continuing medical education providers. Ongoing reform efforts are also highlighted, including a new medical curriculum and the impact of international trends. (MSE)

A study surveyed college freshmen, seniors, faculty, administrators, and trustees concerning the conceptual foundations of liberal education, the phenomena and assessment of liberal learning, curricular approaches to liberal education, the role of liberal education and institutional mission, and the status and relevance of liberal education. Several analyses of the results are offered. (MSE)

An undergraduate degree in public administration is neither needed nor a desirable educational goal for the fields of public administration and public policy. Undergraduate public-administration education should focus only on macrosocietal issues such as the substantive role of the citizenry in democracy; the nature of public interest; and different notions of social justice in contemporary society. (MSE)

Former New York governor Mario Cuomo discusses the inequities of public schooling, the trend toward charter schools, and the importance of making education a national priority. Richard Lewis, founder and director of the Touchstone Center (New York City), discusses children's literature, the intrinsic motivation that children have for learning, and how education may restrict children's individuality and expressive learning. (LP)

An evaluation of Montana's alternative certification program for special education teachers surveyed 117 current students, graduates, mentors, and administrators. Results indicated appreciation for the program but perceived needs for more instruction in severe disabilities, behavior management, development of individualized education programs, and completion of paperwork; a preparation workshop before beginning the school year; and more money for mentors. (TD)

A study examined the objectives of outdoor education teachers and park staff involved in secondary school visits to Victoria (Australia) national parks. Interviews with teachers and park staff, observations, and document analysis indicate that outdoor education teachers needed training in socially critical environmental education, ecology, and land management. The educational merits of national parks versus local places are discussed. (Contains 35 references.) (TD)

The University of Florida's Indian River Research and Education Center (IRREC) has offered on-site and distance education courses in agribusiness management, horticultural sciences, and agricultural education and communication since 1998. A survey of current and potential students at IRREC was recently conducted which examines preferences for course content and structure in addition to demographic characteristics of respondents who indicated an interest in distance education. (Author/AEF)

Texas Tech University offers online courses in special education for graduate credit or inservice education. This approach addresses the problems of time, distance, resources, and expertise experienced by rural educators. Unenrolled practitioners not interested in returning to school can access chat rooms and threaded discussions to get support for including students with disabilities in their classrooms. (TD)

In post-apartheid South Africa, a lack of adequate resources and political expertise obstructed implementation of a new outcomes-based curriculum. A policy review committee subsequently made sweeping recommendations for implementation. The experience highlights the need to determine the role of education and what schools can realistically accomplish, given their legacies and current political circumstances. (Contains 34 references.) (TD)

Examined preservice teachers' beliefs about inclusive education for students with mild disabilities. Surveys of 239 undergraduate and graduate students indicated that while many preservice teachers held positive attitudes toward inclusive education, nearly half considered the special education classroom to be the optimum placement for students with mild disabilities because they could receive more individualized attention and because they could not district typical students from learning. (SM)

Examines the reluctance of educational institutions in Israel and Palestine to acknowledge each other's suffering because of 'the otherness of the Other.' Suggests that educators, as agents of the system, should be dedicated to abolishing this otherness. Proposes a sort of counter-education that will encourage harmony and mutual respect toward others. (Contains 22 references.) (NB)

Explores the legal, ethical, and pedagogical aspects of the right to education. Describes a study aimed at learning what the global attitudes are toward the right to an education. Discusses globalization and its effects on education and examines the impact of international caucuses such as the Convention of the Rights of the Child. (Contains 17 references.) (NB)

Describes an educational collaboration at the University of Texas El Paso designed to increase the U.S. border community's understanding of their Mexican school counterparts. This small teacher border exchange program grew into a laboratory for learning and teaching multicultural education through binational community-based experience. Research highlighted the need for binational multicultural education in border areas, the importance of learning that leads to respect, and understanding similarities and contrasts. (SM)

Examined the use of online discussion as a medium for learning in an elementary teacher education program. As part of an Education Studies course, students engaged in discussions of issues related to technology and equity in schools. Through the online activity, distinctive sets of writing practices were created, which enabled students to make connections between theory and practice, campus and school, and research and experience. (SM)

A review of the literature and meta-analytic research into the effectiveness of character/moral education programs reveals that Christian educators should be wary of implementing such curricula. A history of character education demonstrates how the field has evolved. Problems associated with programming rationale, faulty methodology, and lack of appropriate research may leave researchers questioning the validity of character education interventions. Recommendations for practice in Christian education contexts are provided. (Author/SM)