Education & Pedagogy

Includes thoughts of seven educators on the place of digital communication in journalism and mass communication education. Discusses communication scholars and the professional field's readiness for the digital age. Notes educators' attitudes towards technology and technology's applications in education. (PM)

Three years of data from 42 providers in 4 European countries were used to examine the status of environmental management education. A review of innovative projects (a course for environmental business economists, a "green" middle management curriculum, an environmental awareness course at a vocational training center) revealed a gap between provision and participants' needs and expectations. (SK)

To improve the teaching skills of peer educators in Iowa Extension, workshops exposed them to constructivist and transformative approaches to adult education. Attendees identified two challenges as impediments to adopting or adapting the contemporary model for adult education: low confidence in facilitating discussions and concerns about subject-matter mastery. (Contains 20 references.) (SK)

A U.S. Department of Education grant helped Alabama State University's education students learn to integrate technology in the classroom. Developed by a consortium involving the university, two high schools, and an elementary school (which served predominantly minority students), the grant provided training and gave participants take-home laptop computers.(SM)

Analysis of the discourses of British further education staff development officers, preservice teachers, and teachers and students involved in General National Vocational Qualifications revealed differing constructions of learners. Communities of practice in each instance were shaped by different conditions and the policy context of postcompulsory education. (Contains 46 references.) (SK)

Data from Dubai Polytechnic and United Arab Emirates government sources indicate that postsecondary private-sector vocational education plays a significant role in the government policy of increasing the proportion of native workers in the labor force. However, private colleges and universities have been hindered by political and economic constraints. (Contains 16 references.) (SK)

Critiques an article on using reflection to examine discrimination in higher education and the academe, presenting one American Indian woman administrator's experience with higher education and beyond. Emphasizes the benefits of: having a mentor, defining an agenda to guide one's research, clearly defining one's expectations for tenure, and working hard to produce new knowledge. (SM)

Clarifies the meaning of the Nature of Science (NOS) and scientific inquiry in the context of reform efforts in science education. Delineates several misconceptions promoted (or ignored) by reform efforts. Proposes that without explicit instructional attention to the NOS and scientific inquiry, students will once again learn science subject matter in a context-free environment. (Author/MM)

Describes the process of using collaborative technologies to team teach elementary science methods courses across three different institutions: a private liberal arts college, a small state university, and a large research university. Describes the project and the Internet-based collaborative technologies used at each site. (Author/MM)

Describes a program created by the Nebraska Earth Science Education Network (NESEN) called "Students and Teachers Exchanging Data, Information and Ideas (STEDII)" for K-12 audiences that emphasizes data collection mixed with weather education. Compares and contrasts the vision for STEDII from NESEN's and the participant teachers' points of view. (Author/MM)

The goals of citizenship education can conflict with values of cultural pluralism. The Canadian government's policy is one of official neutrality and tolerance with respect to cultural differences. The true function of this policy is to ensure that all Canadians can integrate into a shared set of political and civic institutions despite differences over questions of values. (TD)

The Magic Suitcase provides workshops for young children and teachers across Ontario, using their own schoolyards to explore the wonders of nature and science. Literature is used to explain concepts and make the experience memorable. Workshops are also train teachers to integrate the outdoors into their regular program. Nine picture books used in the program are briefly described. (TD)

Reviews the development and delivery of a higher education course module that was designed to provide remote learners in England with computer-supported solutions to access higher education as part of a technology-assisted distance education program. Highlights include use of a Web site; e-mail; videoconferencing; and student attrition rate. (Author/LRW)

Describes recent changes in national legal agreements concerning appointment, promotion, and working conditions that have affected the work of academics in Swedish higher education. Uses the current structure of the higher education system and data on working conditions and institutional governance as a context for a discussion of academic autonomy and the future of the academic profession. (SLD)

This article describes the history of special education in Turkey and the governmental context of research, educational research, and special education. Three issues that currently hamper special education research are identified: information dissemination, methodological difficulties, and a lack of collaboration among the important constituencies. Recommendations for future research are made. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)