Education & Pedagogy

A response to a recent report's criticism of the lack of good legal research in Canada, especially research integrating law with the social sciences, focuses on the legacy of British law and legal traditions, past domination of Canadian legal education by the practicing profession, and recent developments that may brighten future prospects for legal education. (MSE)

The NIE Study Group on the Conditions of Excellence in Higher Education calls on colleges and universities to revitalize liberal education and set higher standards for graduation. This news report notes the realities of student learning, curricular coherence, the quality of facilities, faculty morale, and academic standards that no longer measure up to expectations. (MLW)

Projected changes in the West German higher education system such as more competition, differentiation and efficiency, and especially the introduction of institutional autonomy are the most ambitious in recent history and will demand the cooperation of federal and local government, educational authorities, institutions, academic and research organizations, and the public. (MSE)

A review of trends in European higher education policy leads to these conclusions: (1) government response to economic crises has been either to strengthen expenditure-driven policies or to continue demand-based policies; (2) central government oversight has been strengthened; and (3) commitment to linking education and industry has become clear. (MSE)

Describes a Harvard University program where midcareer professionals are being retrained as high school mathematics and science teachers. Factors contributing to the program's success include changing demographics/requirements in secondary schools and participant's desire to share their science knowledge with young people. The program's links to the business/technical community are emphasized. (DH)

A partial equilibrium framework (user charges/government subsidy) analyzes optimal user charges for social services. The framework is applied to Malawi's education sector to formulate policy recommendations for solving problems of high student-teacher ratios and drop-out rates. Malawi's school user fees were increased in 1982 based on this framework. (MM)

Highlights seminar which addressed education of the nonmajor. Following brief comments on plan/execution of the seminar program and Japanese system of education, 19 recommendations are outlined and summarized. Recommendations focus on various aspects of courses, curricula, instructional strategies, and other factors related to nonmajors in the United States. (Author/JN)

In this discussion of diffusion in education, innovation theory and various models of the dissemination process are analyzed to point out ways that teacher educators can help improve educational practices. The importance of a strategy for innovation is stressed, and "linkage" is identified as a central contribution of teacher education institutions. (Author/PP)

William Channing Woodbridge led a movement to incorporate vocal music in the Boston public schools. A model of the political process underlying this movement generated hypotheses about the political process underlying public school music innovations in politico-organizational environments where executive responsibility for public education is vested in local school boards. (SR)

Describes an evaluation that analyzed the implementation of a school health education curriculum, assessed cognitive learning outcomes attributable to the curriculum, and examined the relationship between classroom implementation and changes in students' knowledge. Results indicated that the curriculum had a positive effect on learning in students, and curriculum implementation varied considerably among the five classes participating. (Author/CT)

Examines Nigeria's National Policy on Education guidelines, specifically focusing on science and technological education. Discusses the development of vocational and technical schools, transfer of technology, and the role of research institutes. Recommendations are made concerning academic survival skills, respect for manual skills, improved conditions for skilled laborers, and the continuous evaluation of science curricula. (CT)

Alternative programs for students desiring to obtain secondary teacher certification were compared for cost-effectiveness and for instructional effects. Relative performance of education and non-education majors was judged by the cognitive gain made by their pupils during the student teaching experience. Costs were determined by a variety of approaches. (LMO)

Interviews and survey questionnaires were used to collect--from 302 randomly selected farm households in the Kahvre Palanchowk District in eastern Nepal--information regarding how families make decisions about schooling for children. The findings suggest that sociocultural and economic factors cause parents to discriminate among children according to gender and age.(JHZ)

Hospital pharmacy directors ranked their academic needs as: personnel and financial management (greatest), computers, hospital organization, clinical pharmacy practice, traditional pharmacy practice, and statistics. Those with MBAs perceived themselves stronger in these areas than did those with other degrees. Only MBAs and MSs felt adequately prepared for administration. (MSE)

A review of attitudes about the need for changes in the structure of postsecondary education in Australia and the role of the government in each sector concludes with the suggestion that the state take less responsibility for short-term planning and institutional development and focus more on long-term planning with strong involvement in technical and continuing education. (MSE)