Education & Pedagogy

Discusses participation in higher education in the United Kingdom within the general context of access to higher education. Asserts that the heterogeneous characteristics of higher education and the complex choice processes of applicants mean that a finer level of description and analysis is required which goes beyond aggregate measures of access and examines the extent and nature of participation. Provides a geodemographic analysis of participation in 1999-2000. (EV)

Argues that identity-sensitive education, focused on improving students' attitudes and beliefs about their own learning, is essential for academic success. Describes three models of identity-sensitive education: charismatic teacher, "together we'll make it," and "intellectual hothouse." Identifies common characteristics of three models. Also discusses Robert Marzano's four domains of learning: knowledge, cognition, metacognition, and self-system. (PKP)

Outdoor adventure educators need a solid foundation in theoretical knowledge that will influence and guide equally important practical skills. A strong sense of professional practice should be instilled in new outdoor adventure educators to prevent them from becoming insulated in their ideas and practices. Philosophical underpinnings and good practice can tie geographically distant Outward Bound schools together. (TD)

In the United States today, other languages and bilingualism receive no more respect than in 1954 when Mexican American children had to spend years in "pre-primer" classes before entering first grade. The rush to dismantle bilingual education programs has proceeded without any evidence of program failure. Without true equity and respect for diverse languages and cultures, education becomes of questionable value. (TD)

Offers reasons for making a concerted effort to increase the number of men in early childhood education and maintains that the most compelling reasons relate to important goals: valuing diversity, providing equal employment opportunity, and working toward a just world. Suggests ways the National Association for the Education of Young Children can provide leadership to increase male involvement in early childhood education. (KB)

Provides a history of educational technology in Australia over the past 30 years. Highlights include Australian education structures; the impact of film and television on higher education; educational funding sources, including government and private sources; video; visual and media literacy; personal computers; curriculum development; and future possibilities. (LRW)

Investigation of the use of music in the education of students at British schools for students with severe/profound or multiple difficulties found music was a significant component of students' lives and education. The article urges research on this population's musical behavior and needs and development of musical education guidelines and appropriate music educational materials. (Contains references.) (DB)

Discussion of the effect of minimum competency tests for graduation notes both positive (such as greater access to the general curriculum) and negative (such as increased referrals to special education) to improve a school's overall scores. Continually changing special education procedures are seen, however, to have led to a decline in teachers entering special education and an increase in those leaving it. (DB)

Analysis of New York Supreme Court's interpretation of economics of education literature in its 2001 decision in "Campaign for Fiscal Equity v. The State of New York." Includes educational outcomes, educational inputs, and the efficient use of teacher inputs. Discusses the cost-effectiveness of court reform of education compared with political and economic reforms. (Contains 55 references.) (PKP)

Examined the experiences of preservice teachers in an urban school and community-based early field experience (integrated with foundations of education and general methods courses). Data from observations, interviews, reflective writings, and focus groups highlighted five categories of student experience: deepening multicultural, eye-opening and transformational, masked multicultural, partially miseducative, and escaping experiences. (SM)

Emphasizes the importance of effective communication in ensuring that deaf children have an appropriate and successful physical education experience, looking at issues related to the psychomotor abilities of deaf children, discussing the need for educational interpreters in the physical education class, and explaining the communication responsibilities of the teacher, the interpreter, the deaf student, and peers. (SM)

Investigated the relationship between U.S. and Taiwanese high school students' attitudes toward physical education and leisure time exercise, noting the influence of nationality and gender. Student surveys indicated significant relationships between attitudes toward physical education and leisure time exercise, regardless of nationality or gender. There were also significant differences in attitudes toward physical education by nationality and gender. (SM)

Globalization challenges governments to improve the quality of and access to postsecondary education while limiting their ability to raise revenue. By stimulating savings and expanding student loans and scholarships, Canada can improve access to postsecondary education. Educational quality can be improved through more effective assessment and accountability, increased teacher salaries and professional development, establishment of educational standards, and provision of educational choices. (TD)

Discussion of the increasing access to technology that is being used in higher education for distance education courses focuses on a Masters course offered through Penn State's World Campus. Topics include characteristics of adult learners; successful online learning communities; and changes in student perceptions regarding technology use, course and content, and the learning process. (LRW)

The purposes and goals of adult education and human resource development (HRD) differ and even clash. They find common ground in the personal development function but differ in the control and motivation for learning. Adult education seeks to enable learner self-determination; HRD's focus is enabling organizational control through employee development. (Contains 22 references.) (SK)