Education & Pedagogy

In a survey, 80 businesses, mostly small, ranked 13 educational attributes expected of college students with a business education. Factor analysis shows four distinct skill areas expected from an ideal business education program: research, interpersonal, basic, and quantitative skills. In general, employers expect to hire well-rounded students, with larger firms requiring more research-oriented students. (Author/MSE)

In the new global context, American law schools must go beyond teaching international law to teach international aspects of every subject, including legal systems, tax systems, and varying cultural perspectives. Schools should provide more international education not only for their own students but also for the bar and the judiciary. (MSE)

This article reviews the work of G. Stanley Hall, who offered the first course on college and university problems in 1893. It describes Hall's education and academic appointments until 1887, the European origins of his study, the founding of Clark University (Massachusetts) and Hall's presidency, the American beginnings of the field of higher education, and notable students influenced by Hall. (MSE)

Centrists believe education is initially a right for every young person. When youngsters demonstrate no interest in doing schoolwork, obeying school rules, or respecting school staff, they forfeit this right and must re-earn it. Centrists believe values should be addressed openly; reject polarized curriculum ideologies; and hold teachers, parents, and students accountable for learning outcomes. (MLH)

Advocates utilizing an issues-centered approach to teaching controversial political issues in social studies classrooms. Recommends augmenting this approach with the development of a democratic classroom where student views are encouraged and considered. Identifies useful techniques for this approach, including debates, simulations, discussions, and inquiry projects. (MJP)

Argues that the National Science Education Standards uses a discourse of invisibility to lay out its reform for science education and does not directly address ethnic, socioeconomic, gender, and theoretical issues. Proposes that the standards ought to provide arguments and evidence in support of the reasons why equity should be a guiding principle in reform. Contains 34 references. (Author/JRH)

Analyzes the role of higher education in China and Taiwan as an agent of both political socialization and economic modernization in the context of economic and social transformations, 1949-95. Examines how cultural traditions, a national belief system, nation building, and foreign relations help maintain a 200-year-old tension between modernization and cultural preservation. Contains 76 references. (Author/SV)

Provides a review of the literature on graduate and continuing education for community college leaders, including the preceding articles in this volume. Argues that uncertainties related to these graduate programs rest on two interrelated issues: program intent and professor-practitioner relations. Suggests steps to reduce the gulf between professors and practitioners. (17 citations) (AJL)

Outlines issues and concerns that should be addressed by graduate programs for community college leaders to help prepare them for the real world. Reviews concerns related to dealing with nontraditional students, developing meaningful curricula, learning conflict resolution skills, using technology to improve instruction, and solving other managerial concerns. (15 citations) (AJL)

Factors crucial in the development of media literacy in public schools are popular and school board support; teacher training and curriculum support from schools of education; inservice training; school district consultants; textbooks and audio-visual materials; professional organizations; evaluation instruments; and collaboration between teachers, parents, researchers, and media professionals. Lists resources and organizations in the United States and Canada. (PEN)

Addressing the diverse educational needs of the adult student population can be achieved without dumbing down the college curriculum, using costly remedial programs, or sending the wrong message to America's youth. Possible solutions include college-public school partnerships providing remediation, community college programs, distance learning, and non-credit courses offered through continuing education programs. (MSE)

A review of the literature on parental involvement in the education of a child with a disability examines models of parental involvement, barriers to participation, and ideas for training. It concludes that parent-professional partnerships are intended to empower parents and enhance communication. Such partnerships cannot be established without greater parental participation in the educational process. (Author/DB)

Describes the administrative framework of Sweden's government, most notably its Environmental Protection Agency, and explains how it shaped Sweden's national environmental education program. Legislation supports rights to basic information on environmental issues. Such underlying values have been incorporated into the new national curriculum. Identifies the changes necessary to achieve curriculum goals including inservice teacher training and an interdisciplinary approach. (PVD)

Describes traditional Indian education and how it differs from the Euro-American model by utilizing example instead of indoctrination. Notes that experiential and service learning include many key elements of Native approaches. Describes programs developed by the National Indian Youth Leadership Project that combine these approaches with traditional Native values to empower young people and the community. (TD)

Reviews the status of the German-as-a-foreign-language classroom and teacher education at the university level in Mexico, describing the teacher education course in the language center at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Also discusses distance learning in the area of German teacher training, which creates educational opportunities for current and future German teachers. (AP)