Education & Pedagogy

Multiculturalism is vital in a society constructed on coalitions whose members seek common ground. The educational system must be the forum for providing the opportunity to value diversity. Selected reviews are presented of six books on multicultural education and society. (SLD)

The first part of this plenary lecture describes the activities of the Committee on Education of the International Union of Biochemistry. The second part describes the Educational Credo, standards for the PhD Degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and recommendations of the report "Physicians for the Twenty-First Century." (PR)

An introduction to Earth systems education describes a need and framework for an earth-systems focus in precollege curriculum. Challenges teachers to include this focus in science curriculum by following the guidelines presented in the Earth systems approach to science education. (five references) (MCO)

This lesson plan uses grocery shopping to demonstrate the importance of source reduction in the handling of solid waste problems. Students consider different priorities in shopping (convenience, packaging, and waste reduction) and draw conclusions about the relationship between packaging techniques and solid waste problems. (MCO)

Analyzes the use of computer conferencing for management education and describes the introduction of computer conferencing in a distance education MBA (Master's of Business Administration) program at the Open University in the United Kingdom. The use of computer conferencing at the Western Behavioral Sciences Institute (California) (WBSI) is also described. (14 references) (LRW)

Historically, higher education administrators have advanced through faculty ranks. In recent years, higher education as a field of study has developed significantly, but its potential for improving the profession is underutilized. A growing group of administrators needs formal training to meet the needs of more sophisticated and complex organizations. (MSE)

This article describes a drama program developed at Reading University (Great Britain) for special education students and teachers at the secondary level, which sought to develop initiative, leadership, ability to think for oneself and adapt to change, and ability to work as a team member. (DB)

The paper discusses preservice and inservice teacher education in Austria, noting the role of educational research, describing how educational research is well-established at Austrian universities within the different departments for educational sciences, and explaining the status of teacher educators and teachers. (SM)

Presents a three-part set of guidelines for multicultural education. Describes characteristics of ethnic and cultural groups. States principles of ethnic and cultural diversity. Discusses the role of the school, learning differences among ethnic groups, and goals for reform. Includes 23 individual guidelines and a program evaluation checklist. (DK)

Presents a revision of the standards for social studies teacher preparation by the National Council for the Social Studies. Discusses the selection for and continuation in social studies teacher educations of promising teachers. Suggests that program requirements include general education, social studies skills including global and multicultural understanding, and professional education. (DK)

The president of Citizens for Excellence in Education offers his views as to why outcome-based education (OBE) is not workable. Suggests that, of traditional, transitional, and transformational OBE, only the traditional content-based system would greatly advance learning and that vocational education can lead the way. (JOW)

Survey responses from 88 of 293 industrial technology education department heads found that 68% could not identify courses in which acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is covered; 52% were not aware of AIDS-related activities on their campuses; and 48% had AIDS education programs at their institutions. (SK)

Considers the use of outcome-based education (OBE) as an accountability system. The interpretation and use of OBE for accountability and issues arising from its use are reviewed. The use of OBE will exacerbate rather than solve current problems in education, but its potential should be explored. (SLD)

Discusses need for action in teaching values and morality in public schools to control social problems that hinder learning. Describes data collected from sample of school principals which supports position. Suggests modifying teacher education programs to prepare teachers to provide moral education. Offers suggestions to address moral education issue. (Author/CRR)

Although the nation's founding documents do not refer explicitly to education, it would be wrong to regard that which is not explicitly articulated as unimportant. The documents themselves demonstrate the founders' trust in the importance of learning, and the "Federalist Papers" provide the basis for the national regard for education. (SLD)