Education & Pedagogy

Discusses a report on costs and other issues related to bilingual education in the United States. Findings reveal that funding decisions at the federal and state levels show a marked preference for native language intensive programs and that there is no conclusive research demonstrating the educational superiority of bilingual education over English-as-a-Second-Language programs. (11 references) (CK)

A study examined the effectiveness of a program to prepare and retain 35 on-the-job teachers serving students with mild to moderate disabilities in urban schools. Teachers developed competency over time and viewed seminars and on-site assistance as critical sources of support, however, they continued to experience significant challenges and stress. (Author/CR)

Discusses Industrial and Digital Age educational models, needs, and expectations of adult and traditional learners for Internet-based education; knowledge management and its impact on technical communication; the Universal Campus Network and the nature of Web-based education in the near future; elements for success for Web-based distance education in technical communication; and the future directions in electronic communication. (RS)

Following decades of mutual disengagement, coordinated school health programs (CSHPs) are emerging in response to the current state of children's health and education. CSHPs usually feature staff health promotion; health education; school health services; counseling, psychological, and social services; nutrition; physical education; a healthy school environment; and family/community involvement. (20 references) (MLH)

Discusses participants' dilemmas in recently conducted supervision workshops, where preservice teachers and school-based teacher educators compiled portraits of their "ideal other." Dilemmas focused on conceptions of "good teaching," compliance and initiative issues, and time and priority commitments. Reported impediments revealed the need for reforms and cultural changes. (44 references) (MLH)

The University of Minnesota has developed a limited-cohort distance education graduate program to overcome geographic barriers and address the shortage of masters'-prepared speciality nurses in rural areas of the upper Midwest. The program offers graduate nursing education in various specialty areas to distance sites for a predetermined, relatively short period. (Author)

Surveys of faculty members in 13 Colorado schools, colleges, and departments of education investigated their attitudes, perceptions, and experiences regarding faculty-to-faculty mentoring. Results indicated no significant differences in attitudes or mentoring behaviors by gender or faculty rank and few differences by type of institution. Respondents positively valued mentoring. Mentoring tended to fit traditional college/university roles. (SM)

The president of the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) discusses the current state of environmental education and suggests several key issues to address when designing programs: (1) the basis of the program must be sound, unbiased science; (2) critical thinking must be at the core of the learning experience to make it effective and lifelong; and (3) environmental education must begin early. (PVD)

The Lower Kuskokwim School District in southwest Alaska developed Yup'ik language materials to support the curriculum and, trained school staff in bilingual practices. The district school in Quinhagak adopted Yup'ik as the primary language of instruction through fifth grade, taught by Yup'ik-speaking teachers. The tribal council offered support in numerous ways, including guest lectures by village elders. (TD)

Dichotomizes academic research and educational policymaking as distinct and often conflicting cultures. Examines legislative support of higher education as an illustration of the research-policy disconnection. Summarizes recent criticisms of higher education research. Discusses differing "mind frames" of researchers and policymakers, their mutual need for each other, and ways to improve communication. Contains 24 references. (Author/SV)

Examines characteristics of traditional indigenous education of Aboriginal Australians and the discriminatory and inappropriate education introduced by Europeans. Discusses aspects of Aboriginal learning style (holistic, imaginal, kinesthetic, cooperative, contextual, person-oriented). Lists classroom strategies to make mathematics learning more relevant to Aboriginal students, and describes a culturally relevant mathematics program. Contains 17 references. (SV)

Describes a model for providing individualized and comprehensive support for beginning special educators in the face of acute personnel shortages. Describes the interacting factors in the model specific to the individual teacher and to the teaching environment and tasks. Provides recommendations for implementation of the beginning-teacher support model. (Author/CR)

Describes a professional-development model implemented by a university and five inner-city elementary schools with high language-minority populations. The model involved volunteer primary-grade teachers trained in an integrated/language arts approach, regular contact with participating teachers, and establishment of collegial teams to provide peer support at each school. (Author/DB)

Analysis of responses (N=141) to a survey of teacher educators concerning the Case Method of Instruction (CMI) found that 78% were using or had recently used CMI; CMI was used most frequently in assessment and methods classes. Respondents identified CMI advantages as the application of theory to practice and development of problem-solving skills. (DB)

Describes how Problem-Based Learning (PBL) was adapted for use in social studies teacher education. Reviews the background of PBL as used in professional faculties, and offers curricular justification for its use. Examines difficulties experienced in adapting PBL to teacher education, taking into account perspectives from prospective teachers and teacher educators. (DSK)