Education & Pedagogy

Describes how videoconferencing was used at the University of Ulster (Northern Ireland) as a medium to deliver three modules to continuing education students over a five-year period. Discusses planning and implementation, and the move from conventional teaching to distance learning. Notes professional development reached an effective level and in one instance content improved. (AEF)

A project brought together 10 nursing students and 7 pharmacy students to learn and practice collaborative professional skills. Students met weekly to present joint case conferences to professional peers, practice negotiation and collaboration skills, and demonstrate the critical thinking processes essential and unique to their professions. Both groups responded positively and expressed appreciation of the other discipline. (Author/MSE)

This study examined specific classroom events and teaching practices that promoted positive attitudes and emotions by students in college computer courses. Analysis of student journals and interviews indicated specific classroom events and teaching practices lessened students' computer anxiety, promoted understanding of computers, and increased students' confidence in using computers. (SM)

Presents a foundation for establishing measurable physical education outcomes, demonstrating how heart rate telemetry can help measure and achieve such outcomes. After explaining heart rate telemetry function, the article examines student and teacher outcomes that could be included in school physical education outcomes and achieved using heart rate telemetry. (SM)

Attempts to clarify some of the differences and similarities between students from low-income countries enrolled in graduate science education programs in high-income countries and students from the host high income-countries. Offers suggestions for making graduate programs more responsive to the special needs of students from low-income countries. (LZ)

Describes a pilot project of the Park/School Program which involved graduate students in environmental studies conducting field studies in ecology with 46 fifth graders. Provides an overview of the project's potential for effecting change inside and outside the classroom, and presents recommendations for future programs and research. (LZ)

Explores the meaning and significance of multicultural education in a global context on the basis of recent cross-cultural research in anthropology. Examines the status of immigrants and "involuntary minorities" in the United States, England, and other countries. Recommends educational changes whereby multicultural education can heal and integrate American society. (Author/TD)

Examines a number of theoretical issues in the provision of education and care for preschool children in the United Kingdom, focusing on the ideology of child care, the psychology of child development, and definitions of education and care. Argues that present services are too rigid and outdated, uncoordinated, and inequitable. (MDM)

The experiences and perspectives of nine parents committed to inclusive education for their children with disabilities are analyzed. Findings include: parents viewed inclusive education as a fundamental right for their children, and they employed numerous strategies to obtain inclusive education, including seeking assistance from the courts and media. (Author/SW)

Introduces special services personnel to the major national data collection agencies and select data collection programs that provide outcome indicators for monitoring the education system. Encourages special services personnel to become informed consumers and participants in education reform. Suggests improving local evaluations by borrowing from national data collection survey instruments. (RJM)

Highlights patterns in the progression from local to state and federal control, from program improvement to accountability, from evaluation of process to outcome and back, and from simple to complex models. Also examines the trend toward developing a system that includes all students instead of just those in special education. (RJM)

Describes why it is important for those interested in the education of students, and particularly the results of education for students with disabilities, to exhibit care in language usage. Clarifies ways in which the word "outcomes" is used today and discusses why we must be careful in selecting our words. (RJM)

Suggests that Native students entering school in Ontario (Canada) are not treated equally with regard to support for or valuing of their Native language. Overviews research related to second-language instruction and provides policy recommendations for Native-language students, second-language instruction, deaf education, and developing a comprehensive second-language education policy. (LP)

Examines the impact of technology on work outside and inside tertiary institutions. Presents a case study of Deakin University (Australia), an open and distance education organization. Discusses strategic viewpoints, diversified thinking, risk-taking in large organizations, technological implementation, technological innovation, staff development, technical services, and managing cultures and politics in the change process. (Author/AEF)

Reports on an innovative use of voice mail to support students studying law through distance education. Advantages include cost effectiveness, minimal isolation, and means for spontaneity. Possible uses include covering developments in dynamic disciplines after cut-off time, extending "shelf-life" of printed materials, and providing students with a method of contact. (Author/AEF)