Education & Pedagogy

Analyzes the introduction of productive work into the Brazilian schools in the 1980s. Explains that productive work is a form of vocational training that combines general education and productive work in one institution. Concludes that the production school is not a feasible alternative in improving education for the lower classes. (RW)

Reports a study in which 1,000 high school seniors at 8 Kenyan schools participated. Data were gathered regarding their social and geographical regions, and the results on the Kenya Certificate of Education (KCE) examination were used. Findings show there is no rule that school-based vocational training is inferior to academic secondary education. (NL)

Described are some of the factors that have influenced the introduction of instructional change into Black South African classrooms. The Science Education Project of the 1980s, teacher uncertainty, pupil expectations, the epistemology of science education, resources, and the image of innovation are discussed. (CW)

Finds that, among 39 American Indian college women, those who participated in a 4-week dance education program incorporating cultural support symbols showed significantly lower posttest trait anxiety than controls but did not differ from controls in posttest state anxiety. Reports stress factors identified from subjects' questionnaire responses. (SV)

Investigates the opportunities to learn provided in regular and special education classes for mildly handicapped students. Finds that, overall, mildly handicapped students experienced significantly less opportunity to learn during mainstream reading instruction than their nonhandicapped peers. Concludes, however, that placing such students in special education classes does not necessarily provide them with more opportunities to learn. (RS)

Knowledge gained from personal involvement in radical reform is used as the starting point for this discussion of various conceptual and practical aspects of change. Guidelines for considering projects of change are identified and examined in light of a particular case involving teacher education reform at a public research university. (IAH)

Traces the development of new research approaches to the history of elementary education. Examines the impact of the 1870 legislation that instituted compulsory education on the elementary school system. Assesses this impact on the school system in the context of the wider social structure. Includes quantitative studies on school attendance, age, and population. (RW)

Surveys and conference discussion found that typical students in preservice special education programs training to serve infants with handicaps and their families receive very little content related to infants or families, in undergraduate or graduate special education. More coverage was found in programs specializing in infancy or early childhood. (Author/JDD)

Two alternative solutions to the issue of local control of the educational subject and content of education concerning the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are explored: local control versus a state mandate for AIDS education. Each alternative is evaluated against the criteria for choice, and a benefit-cost analysis is included. (SLD)

The theme focuses on the importance of teaching in vocational agriculture. Includes 10 articles on effective teaching, essential elements of the problem solving approach in teaching vocational agriculture, establishing a classroom climate for success, the economics of agriculture, dealing with student behavior problems, the importance of interpersonal skills, and how to protect students from hearing damage. (JOW)

Issues involved in preparing personnel for intergenerational work include the following: (1) the scope of intergenerational practice; (2) expanded personnel roles in intergenerational programs; (3) competencies and skills identification; and (4) the need to integrate intergenerational preparation into formal human services training and education. The importance of academic sponsorship of the field is argued. (AF)

Seven articles on the evaluation of high technology educational media are presented. Topics covered include hardware and software evaluation, acquired immune deficiency syndrome education, computer-based educational evaluation in the Netherlands, evaluation of educational television in Israel, broadcasting research, interactive video, and effects of camera perspectives on speaker perception. (TJH)

Responds to Charles Fowler's article, "Arts Education and the NEA: Does the National Science Foundation Point the Way?" Recommends that the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) work together to promote intellectual values in schooling. Suggests that the NEA follow the NSF in its commitment to research. (KM)

Discussion of the use of electronic publishing (EP) and computer-mediated communication (CMC) systems in higher education focuses on a system at Queen Margaret College, Edinburgh, called JIMMY. Its use by arts, business, health care, and management and information students and staff is described, and further developments are discussed. (23 references) (LRW)

An elementary school program included classroom health education and environmental changes in school lunch and physical education to encourage healthful diet and exercise habits. Interventions based on social learning theory and organizational change resulted in statistically significant changes in diet behavior, self-efficacy, use of salt, and exercise behavior. (SK)