Education & Pedagogy

Argues that community general education provides a unique opportunity for community colleges to enhance the overall quality of community life and prepare citizens for their responsibilities in a democracy and to participate creatively in life activities. Cites examples of innovative and effective community general education programs. (DMM)

Summarizes responses from directors of early childhood education in all 50 states to a survey asking for information about their kindergarten and prekindergartern programs and about future prospects for expanding early childhood education. (Author/MLF)

A longitudinal investigation of the attitudes towards physical activity of specialist students of physical education was undertaken during a course of training teachers. Significant changes of attitude with time were noted, particularly in the Vertigo and Ascetic dimensions. (Author)

Differentiates between computer systems and Computers in Biological Education (CIBE) systems (computer system intended for use in biological education). Describes several CIBE stand alone systems: single-user microcomputer; single-user microcomputer/video-disc; multiuser microcomputers; multiuser maxicomputer; and local and long distance computer networks (several maxicomputers at separate sites). (JN)

Presents a general description of curriculum studies made in the sociology of education and comparative education in the past decade. Discusses structural/functional studies, studies in the "new" sociology of education, and ethnomethodological studies. Argues that ethnomethodology provides the most heuristic approach to curriculum studies. (Author/RH)

The author examines private schools: their origins, the current rise in new private schools and private school enrollment, student ethnic and racial characteristics, private education function, the federal government's role in private education, and future outlook for private education. (CT)

Six industrial educators respond to four questions: (1) Are industrial education programs increasing or decreasing in your area? (2) Are industrial education teachers in demand or not in your area? (3) Are new facilities being constructed? and (4) What are the outstanding trends in industrial education in your area? (CT)

Professionals in nine education specialty areas ranked educational journals by perceived degree of importance. The data were used to analyze degrees of similarity among the areas. Results suggested that education specialty areas are nonoverlapping and noninterdependent and that the field of education is more a mosaic of specialties than a unified whole. (Author/MJL)

The rationale behind Public Law 94-142, which pertains to education of handicapped children, is presented. Key terms such as mainstreaming, least restrictive environment, zero reject, most appropriate placement, and individualized education are discussed to clarify their significance for educators. (PP)

Through professional development activities, physical education faculty members can meet important challenges in their field: (1) keep current in their subjects; (2) learn additional skills; (3) take on new tasks; (4) perform old tasks in different ways; (5) increase scholarship; and (6) increase instructional competence. (CJ)

Describes the origins and sources of the sociology of education in the Netherlands, the institutional context in which it is embedded, and the fields of research and theory that it covers. The realization of expected trends of the field is examined. (AM)

Contains the charter for the Unesco Intergovernmental Committee for Physical Education and Sport. The charter stresses the importance of physical education as a human right and as an essential part of lifelong education. It also cites the need for qualified coaching, adequate facilities, research and evaluation, and information dissemination. (AM)

An MIT report advocates education for postgraduate engineers through a new structure linking universities, industry, and professional organizations. Engineering schools and neighborhood industries are urged to collobrate in making off-campus graduate programs available to working engineers and the establishment of special master's programs. (Author/JN)

Discusses why credit courses are offered and some forces for change in the curriculum. Briefly summarizes the status of credit courses offered in each Canadian province; the importance of credit courses, offered in Ontario, to students and the guidance departments; and the advantages and disadvantages of offering such courses. (NQA)

An evaluation of a school-based drug education program was employed to examine the effect of administration of a preteaching questionnaire on responses. Found pretesting increased the amounts of alcohol reported consumed and reports of drunkenness and marijuana use. (Author)