Education & Pedagogy

Compares the role of post-compulsory technical education in less developed countries and in developed market economies. Argues that England, by displacing education with skill accreditation, has turned the student into an object of economic policy. Mexico remains focused on a crude program designed to "modernize" the "ignorant" poor. (MJP)

Describes the planning and implementation of a team-taught two-course sequence for secondary educators on adolescent education. The courses included substantial information on disabilities and special education. The approach to team teaching, based on a constructivist model of learning, is illustrated through the presentation of specific learning activities. (Author/CR)

This paper describes the growth of private-sector involvement in the delivery of postsecondary education and its effect on institutions and on the development of general and special education teachers. It contends that the corporate approach to activities and governance is antithetical, if not hostile, to teacher-education reform. (Author/CR)

Describes changes in public education over the last 150 years, discussing how changing politics have affected education; the influence of the electronic revolution (television and the Internet); the relationship between global economics, electronic communication, and education; and the movement from schools as a place to acquire basic language and civic literacy to a schooling institution dominated by nation-state and economic interests. (SM)

The current state of education in Russia strongly correlates with the socioeconomic crisis, which negatively impacts education. Responsibility for education falls to the state and other social institutions, which form a system of education. The many laws, decrees, and rules about education have had little impact on practice. School democratization has not been implemented appropriately. (SM)

Provides a overview of the development and implementation of free public education. Considers the political climate of 18th-century America and the subsequent controversies concerning tax-supported public education. Discusses such issues as moral education, religious education, civic education, and secular and religious opposition and provides related discussion questions. (MJP)

Introduces a series of papers on new developments in science and mathematics teacher education in Europe, explaining teacher thinking and conceptual change as related to science and mathematics teacher education. The papers emphasize existing conceptions held by student teachers, preservice courses that include the development of student content knowledge, and the education of experienced teachers. (SM)

A survey of 41 faculty explored interdisciplinary teacher preparation programs that blend personnel standards from early childhood special education and early childhood education. The benefits and barriers to interdisciplinary, blended programs are discussed, along with the many concerns among faculty who are members of interdisciplinary teams in these programs. (Author/CR)

Sea Grant is a major contributor to marine and aquatic education in K-12 classrooms through curriculum development, teacher education, school programs at field sites, and educational research. Describes Sea Grant's efforts in these areas. Specific programs outlined include Operation Pathfinder, Ohio Sea Grant Partnerships for Great Lakes Environmental Data Use, and Non-Indigenous Species Day Camp. (PVD)

Evaluated a two-week induction course focusing on antiracist and antisexist practices in education for all first-year primary undergraduate education (BEd) students. Evaluations from 120 education students indicate that the course was seen as a positive way of preparing them for the challenge of teaching in the inner city. Racism in teacher education is also discussed. (MAK)

Argues that the rising tide of "efficiency" in contemporary education often masks reductions in educational quality and equity and efforts to reduce public investments in education. Analyzes historical and comparative examples in U.S., U.K., and Australian reform movements; the methodology of comparative education; and ongoing reforms in U.K. and Australian higher education. Contains 77 references. (Author/SV)

Uses three case studies to examine philosophical and pedagogical issues surrounding the use of laptop computers in outdoor education. Discusses the relationship between nature and technology and the use of computers in education lead to a call for greater recognition of the value of field education, especially in science. Presents criteria for using laptops in field programs. (TD)

Telephone interviews with 141 randomly selected special education coordinators, principals, and special and general education teachers examined issues related to special education, including a free and appropriate public education (FAPE), Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and school discipline procedures. Respondents found IEPs too cumbersome and reported they did not always review IEPs prior to discipline decisions. (Author/DB)

Describes recent changes in preservice teacher education in the United Kingdom. In Britain, the Minister for Education gained control of preservice education in 1992, and alternative certification routes were developed. Wales' National Assembly for Wales has responsibility for teacher education. No skills tests are required for certification. In Northern Ireland, preservice teacher education is integrated with the induction and early years of teaching, and no skills tests are required. (SM)

Describes a 5th-year teacher education program created by social foundations faculty in partnership with inner city schools, arguing that as state and national movements favor broader performance-based standards over social foundations, social foundations faculty cannot rely on state regulations to safeguard their courses. The partnership illustrates how social foundations can move to the center of teacher education. (SM)