Education & Pedagogy

This paper reports on a survey from economics departments (n=57) in the United Kingdom which found the major course objectives to be liberal education, training for graduate school, and vocational training. The discussion examines links between functions of economics degrees as seen by educators, course structures, and entry qualifications demanded. (DB)

Discusses the role of the Secretary of Labor's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS). In light of the gap in workforce skills constraining economic growth, urges ongoing dialogue between schools and businesses, and emphasizes the need for more appropriate continuing education programs for workers. Cites examples of successful programs. (PAA)

Project Kaleidoscope, based on a 2-year study of science and mathematics programs at 200 colleges, seeks to improve recruitment, preparation, and retention of teachers in those disciplines, reshape introductory courses, provide faculty fellowship and research opportunities, revamp teacher education, and forge relationships among public agencies, foundations, businesses, colleges, and schools. (MSE)

Government AIDS education programs in Britain have focused on nonheterosexual behavior. Protection of population depends on changes in high-risk sexual practices among heterosexuals. The part played by young women has received little attention. Reviews data from a survey of young women's sexual beliefs and behavior and suggests that appropriate sex education would help young women resist abuse and exploitation. (DM)

Explores cultural, academic, social, and mythical factors that affect the achievement and representation of minorities in mathematics. Summarizes efforts of the National Research Council's Mathematical Sciences Education Board (MSEB) to eliminate underachievement and underrepresentation of minorities in mathematics through its national project, "Making Mathematics Work for Minorities," and other initiatives. (AF)

Finds that the National Commission on Social Studies in the Schools' report, "Charting a Course: Social Studies for the 21st Century," emphasis on multiethnic perspectives is sparse and sporadic. Observes that its chronological approach to history and textbook emphasis discourages understanding of ethnicity. Criticizes teacher education programs for lack of training in multicultural education. (CH)

Contends citizenship education should teach a living U.S. Constitution, rather than a blueprint for government. Stresses teachers' responsibility to instruct students about responsibilities as citizens as well as rights. Argues citizenship education, specifically, and social studies, in general, must teach individuals how to live together with others in a democratic, self-governing society. (CH)

Analyzes drawings by children from a Dutch East Indies exhibition in 1937 organized by educator Johan Toot. Divides the drawings thematically and discusses how the drawings are influenced by various cultures. Describes how Johan Toot worked to replace rote learning with an activity-based education. (KM)

Examines the extent to which corporatist political theory explains recent educational reforms in Norway (strong corporatist state) and the United Kingdom (weak corporatist state). Focuses on shifts toward centralized or decentralized control; public versus private sponsorship of schools; and teacher autonomy and school-based management. Contains 62 references. (SV)

Adaptation of Bolman and Deal's conceptual framework of organizational theory and related research provides educational administrators with structural, political, human-resource, and symbolic frames for understanding current educational practices and for planning the integration of severely disabled students into the general education program of rural schools. Contains 33 references. (SV)

A program developed by George Peabody College (Tennessee) to increase the supply and quality of teachers of visually impaired children in rural areas involves recruiting regular and special education teachers currently residing in rural areas; restructuring class schedules to allow teachers to remain fully employed; and rural practicum experiences that highlight competencies specific to rural areas. (JDD)

Grade point average, grades in departmental and other courses, and evaluations by cooperating teachers for 160 agricultural education graduates at Ohio State University showed grades were higher in departmental courses; 90 percent received state certification; over 48 percent did not enter teaching; certification status and grades in student teaching distinguished those who entered teaching from those who did not. (SK)

Identifies 12 major trends in the field of education and technology. Topics discussed include school choice; integrating new technologies and the traditional curriculum; visual vs. logocentric curriculum; distance learning; problems with evaluation; increasing business pressure on public education; the impact of minority students; commercial television; multimedia and hypermedia; and telecommunications. (LRW)

Baylor College of Medicine (Texas) conducts a variety of summer enrichment and other programs to improve how science is presented to students from elementary grades through college. These efforts entail close collaboration between medical college administration, Texas public school teachers, and college and university faculty. (Author/MSE)

Presents an empirical study on misemployment (the underutilization of worker's skills acquired through vocational education) in Hong Kong. Analyzes earnings functions of graduates from various educational fields and for workers employed in various fields. Misemployed graduates received lower earnings than their colleagues working in matched work fields. (17 references) (MLH)