Education & Pedagogy

Argues that before education students can be considered to teach in diverse urban classrooms, they must be required to examine their prejudices and stereotypes against people of color. The author provides survey results showing little understanding of minorities by education students and discusses a one-day workshop designed to help correct these attitudes. Observations and conclusions are provided. (GR)

Maintains that leisure-time training not only further institutionalized adolescence in mid-century Britain but also perpetuated sexual stereotypes of passivity and service for young women. In contrast to the boys' training, girls' indoctrination stressed physical appearance, femininity, and servitude. (MJP)

Describes two pieces of national legislation to improve students' preparation for the workforce: the Tech Prep Education Act (Title IIIE of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Act Amendments of 1990) and the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994. Identifies special characteristics of secondary schools that provide career paths for all students. (11 references) (MLH)

Describes the demographic, social, and political variables influencing the development of young children; their relationship to the need for comprehensive services; and the need for early childhood educators who possess competencies to serve diverse groups of young children, including those dealing with poverty, violence, cultural diversity, disabilities, and family differences. (SM)

Describes the design of and reactions to the new elementary science teacher education program at the University of Wyoming that focuses on prospective teachers' understanding of science, confidence in teaching science, and attitudes towards science with the goal of creating a conceptual change in prospective teachers and enabling them to be more effective teachers of science. (JRH)

A discussion of the Netherlands government policy on the internationalization of education and training, particularly in the new European Community, looks at the context and evolution of the policy, resource allocation, priorities and management of change, and the issue of international compatibility of educational and occupational qualifications. (MSE)

The Welsh approach to comparing educational standards and occupational qualifications is described. The approach identifies a core of occupational competencies and skills underlying training and employment in the field of electrical and electronic engineering, particularly in the motor industry. Origins, economic and educational context, and considerations on which the approach is based are examined. (MSE)

The Learning Consortium, a multiyear partnership among four large school districts and two higher education institutions, has been working on a new design to integrate teacher development and school development in the service of continuous educational improvement. Since 1988, the Consortium has undertaken various initiatives and programs that are discussed in this special section. (MLH)

Reviews the year in public education-bashing. Debunks columnist George Will's claims about teachers' preference for private schools, Willard Daggett's claims about youngsters' VCR programming skills, and two outrageous "Family Circle" and "Business Week" articles. Meanwhile, SAT scores are rising, school buildings are deteriorating, and technology is replacing workers. (38 references) (MLH)

Outlines a reform strategy for primary education that has been successful in several countries. The author discusses formulating the reform objective, deregulating the schools to allow greater flexibility for change and quality enhancement, and letting the market define standards and objectives in the competition for parents' choices. Sweden's reform experiences are discussed. (GR)

A community-wide and preschool bicycle helmet program was developed to educate the public about the importance of helmets for children and to offer helmets at reduced prices. Results of the project showed that education efforts in conjunction with an incentive component led to increases in the purchasing of helmets. (SM)

Maintains that the history of education emerged as a distinct discipline in the United States between 1842 and 1900. Asserts that the topic became a basic subject in the teacher education curriculum during the first decade of the 20th century. Describes competing educational theories and philosophies during the period 1900-1913. (CFR)

Lists 27 summer opportunities offered by corporations and universities for minority high school, college, and graduate students. Positions include internships, employment, and cooperative education opportunities. Includes a brief description, prerequisites, application requirements and deadline, and contact person. Some positions specifically target American Indian students. Includes information on benefits of cooperative education programs. (LP)

Scientific Knowledge for Indian Learning and Leadership (SKILL) was implemented by South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in 1990 to improve the college readiness of American Indian students in math and science. Over 2,000 Indian students have participated in SKILL's academic-year programs, elementary summer programs, 4-week residential programs, and the 4-year NASA Honors Program. (LP)

Describes research at the Brunel University (England) School of Education that includes the investigation of pedagogy and student learning using empirical analysis of classroom talk; uses the context of a four-year teacher education degree course for analysis. Discusses pedagogical principles of constructivism and comments on student responses to learning activities and teaching style. (AEF)