Education & Pedagogy

Argues that, although it can be said that constructivist epistemologies have been around for a long time, perhaps the international mathematics education research community has been directly confronted with the claims of radical constructivism for a decade. Highlights debates among different schools of constructivism in mathematics education and in mathematics education research. (Author/ASK)

Describes educational programs and events at the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station that are designed to develop partnerships with educators and businesses, make multiple use of research facilities, and incorporate K-16 teachers and students into research endeavors. (DDR)

Reflects on the article "Alternatives to National Standards in Environmental Education: Process-Based Quality." Contends that, though it offers some useful tools for considering the structure of environmental education program models or curriculum theories, there are some serious problems both with the analysis and the prescription. Contains 27 references. (JRH)

Critiques a symposium paper written by John Elliot and challenges the view that action research is for all teachers. Discusses specific examples of the difficulties of using the action research approach in environmental education, and explores whether action research is a culturally specific creation. (DDR)

In distinguishing it from occupational competence, this article defines competence in higher education as a cluster of qualities, characteristics, and abilities that may or may not have clear vocational applications. Suggests that a competence model based on industry's clearly defined roles and performances would be inappropriate for higher education. (PEN)

Reports the efforts of faculty members from three departments who worked collaboratively in delivering a core course for secondary education students. Benefits to the teacher-education students, the collaborating faculty, and the professional-development school are described, and suggestions for implementing collaborative teaming are presented. (CR)

Suggests fostering a closer integration of higher education at research universities, liberal arts colleges, and science departments. The discipline of psychology shares common interests as a scientific field in developing undergraduate science education. Psychologists need to become proactive in this interdisciplinary agenda. Contains 56 references. (MMU)

Discusses the accountability requirements of the 1998 Carl Perkins Vocational Technical Education Act: (1) states must develop systems that monitor performance using four core indicators; (2) states must establish, and are accountable for, the indicators and their performance levels; and (3) states will report annual performance to the U.S. Department of Education. (JOW)

Asks ten questions about the future of art, crafts, and design education. Focuses on why art, crafts, and design education should be included in the curriculum; how the curriculum should be defined; and how art educators should respond to conflicting calls for cultural relativism and for cultural nationalism. (DSK)

Concludes that serious questions should be asked about the science-education policy initiatives in South Africa. Cites the efficient and effective use of resources as the most important issue in the reform efforts. Contains 19 references. (DDR)

Australian nursing students produced a health-education fair for their campus, synthesizing research findings to present high-quality information. In reflective papers, students considered how they applied research, technical, interpersonal, and creative skills to the project. (SK)

Describes a nurses' training program in Germany that adapted self-instructional learning material for use by networked universities for distance education. Topics include testing, evaluation, and revision of the learning modules; adaptation in distance education; and empirical evidence for the process of adaptation. (LRW)

Discusses the importance of tolerance as a value in early childhood education. Focuses on tolerance as a community perception and responsibility, the teaching of tolerance in early childhood education, and the development of tolerance in a university pre-service teacher education program. (JPB)

Reports on the evaluation of an interactive media-based science-education project. Concludes that a number of factors must come together for project success, including an environment conducive to innovation and development and strong administrative interest. Contains 16 references. (DDR)

Traces how broad, historical, conceptual frameworks established by Arthur Efland continue to be useful in categorizing contemporary arguments on the form of art education. Contends that many popular justifications for art education lack a solid epistemological rationale. Advocates an approach to art education as a study of reasoned perception. (DSK)