Education & Pedagogy

Discusses the theory of microeconomic efficiency measurement, including frontier efficiency-measurement techniques; reviews the research measuring inefficiency in education; discusses the determinants of educational efficiency; includes table listing author, methodology, inputs and output, analytical techniques, and main findings for 28 studies of frontier efficiency-measurement applications in education. (Contains 44 references.) (PKP)

This article discusses the role of Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) in the vocational-technical education of students with disabilities or other special needs. CTSOs emphasize self-determination of adolescents while providing opportunities, information, support, and skill development services. (Contains references.) (DB)

An introduction to this theme issue on special education transition policy and practice summarizes articles and notes a focus on the importance of transitional services in the 1997 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Emphasis is on practical information based on research, legislative development, and empirical evidence to support best practice recommendations. (DB)

Asserts that student learning is strongly influenced by interaction with faculty, and suggests that John Henry Newman's experience of intellectual community in the faculty common room at Oriel College in Oxford serves as a model for faculty renewal. Suggests that any revision of the general education curriculum necessarily calls for the renewal of faculty culture to ensure its vitality. (EV)

Examines the issue of balance between community rules and personal freedom as it relates to who should control the education of children in Norway. Reviews the historical development of alternative education in Norway, including the growth of private schools and home schooling. Comments on future educational needs and the provision of good educational opportunities. (SD)

Lists upcoming conferences (taking place during the months of March through July 2002): Florida Educational Technology Conference; Mid-South Instructional Technology Conference Teaching, Learning, and Technology; Georgia Educational Technology Conference; e-Learning Conference and Expo; International Conference on Software Engineering; National Educational Computing Conference; Collaborate! Conference & Expo; Association for Telecommunications Professionals in Higher Education; Technology + Learning Conference. (AEF)

This report of the Web-Based Education Commission focuses on the need to rethink the regulatory foundations governing all educational institutions in light of the Internet and distance education possibilities. Highlights include state and local education controls; pre-kindergarten through grade 12 concerns; postsecondary issues; federal statutory and regulatory barriers; accreditation; and copyright protection. (LRW)

Examined how the Society of Directors of Research in Medical Education (SDRME) and offices of medical education (OMEs) have contributed to the research in medical education (RIME) efforts. Found that SDRME has sponsored literature reviews and collaborated with various national organizations. OMEs have served the needs of their institutions and contributed to national research efforts. (EV)

Surveys the role of video feedback in light of a new, integrated concept in teacher education called education research. Shows how shared reflection was stimulated during language teacher education to link theory with practice. Situations were created that allowed for reflective practice on the semiosis of action. (Author/VWL)

Describes how the faculty of the College of Education at California State University, Long Beach, developed an academically rigorous, hands-on teacher credentialing program, with guaranteed results, to meet the demand created in July 1996 when the governor proposed an immediate reduction in class size to a 20-to-1 student/teacher ratio for grades K-3. (PKP)

Reports on a study designed to determine changes in the status of state-level environmental education programs between 1995 and 1998. Reviews the increase and addition of 215 new initiatives reported due to additional component areas that were added to programs in 1997. (Author/MM)

Explains the importance of evidence based medical education and how quantitative outcome studies are favored in medical education. Argues that evidence from ethnography can provide valuable insight into medical education using the introduction of a problem based learning (PBL) curriculum as an example. Includes 42 references. (Author/YDS)

Discusses an interesting and relevant case involving two distinct systematic evaluations, traditional as well as somewhat nontraditional, of a science teacher education project with a heavy technology emphasis. Reports the complexity of evaluating technology projects and the multifaceted ways in which the evaluation endeavor could be approached. (Contains 23 references.) (Author/YDS)

Notes that policy makers would like to "guarantee" that candidates from teacher education programs are content and pedagogy certified. Discusses how accountability assessment plays out in teacher education programs. Focuses on the tests required in Georgia, the Praxis Series of Professional Assessments for Beginning Teachers, developed and marketed by Educational Testing Service. (SG)

Examines difficulties inherent in teaching prospective teachers to reflect on their practice, identifying important facets of the concept and presenting a typology designed to guide teacher educators in teaching reflection to preservice teachers. An example from the University of Washington's Teacher Education Program, in which reflective practice is a central feature, is included. (SM)