Education & Pedagogy

Describes the dynamic expansion of Zimbabwe's education system since independence in 1980, and resulting problems of teacher and facility shortages, financial crises, and declining quality. Discusses whether the change to mass education has furthered the revolution's goal of a more egalitarian society. Contains 34 references. (SV)

The concept of displacement center for teaching the virtual work method in statistics is described. An analytical treatment of the displacement center is presented. An example which illustrates the essential elements of this concept is provided. (CW)

Described is the design and evaluation of a learning unit which includes the basics of computerized feedback control. Included are sample topics, descriptions of the achievement measures, and conclusions of the study. (CW)

Described is the evaluation of the Master of Environmental Science program at Monash University (Australia). The design of the evaluation is discussed, and the use of multiple sources of data and an innovative style are highlighted. (Author/CW)

Describes the restructuring of preservice teacher education at the University of Windsor (Ontario). Emphasizes cognitive learning theory, activity rather than facts, a holistic interdisciplinary approach, the language-thought link in course planning, and practice in classroom problem solving. Lists 20 teacher education goals and 20 student teacher activities. (SV)

Some insights from cognitive science that can be applied to professional education, particularly those relating to sources of dissonance in the traditional, linear educational model, are examined. They concern primarily the availability of information for clinical thinking and problem solving. Curricular structures facilitating implementation of these principles are discussed. (MSE)

The article concludes that videodiscs are an efficient medium, in combination with other instructional technologies, for teaching about teaching methods in special education but that they cannot provide practice in the actual performance of teaching skills and must be supplemented with live supervision. (DB)

The author reports on a survey of 32 consumer educators and an American Council on Consumer Interests conference session assessing attitudes toward and uses of the comprehensive "Classification of Concepts in Consumer Education." Current and potential uses are described and ways to expand the user base are explored. (CH)

Reports a case study of the village of Illukwewa, Sri Lanka, which examined traditional technologies, life skills and the feasibility of implementing formal learning programs based on these methods. Makes recommendations on focusing the learning process toward formal education. (KO)

Describes the creation of an arts playground at Queen's University, Ontario (Canada), containing "tools" for children and adults to direct their own explorations in the arts. Discusses how a classroom might function like such a playground, and considers the issues of structure, communication, and evaluation of students' progress. (SV)

Reviews four types of student retention models identified in the literature (i.e., psychological, economic, organizational, and interactional). Describes and offers examples of four levels of developmental education programs, and identifies eight critical pedagogical components of developmental education. (DMM)

Analysis of the ongoing debate in the United States on higher education quality and its consequences in practice. Looks for a basis for evaluating higher education in Sweden and other western European countries. Standardized tests, other evaluation methods, restrictions on institutional autonomy, and pitfalls of the current approach are discussed. (Author/MSE)

A case study approach using the physical education area was used to study change in subject areas with a formerly practical base. It was found that strong leadership skills, political acumen, and a research profile can help to secure a new status for a subject area. (Author/DB)

Reported is an effort to train mathematics and science teachers in Chicago, Illinois, to integrate mathematics and science and to concentrate on hands-on science participation. Support for the Academy for Mathematics and Science Teachers is discussed. (CW)

Described are the apparatus and procedures needed for a demonstration of the measurement of the electrical resistance of metals as a function of temperature using a microcomputer interface. Discussed are materials, apparatus construction, and experimental results. (CW)