Education & Pedagogy

Ferment in engineering has focused increased attention on undergraduate engineering education, and has clarified the need for rigorous research in engineering education. This need has spawned the new research field of Engineering Education and greatly increased interest in earning Ph.D. degrees based on rigorous engineering education research. Unfortunately, this research will have little impact unless most engineering professors receive pedagogical training because they will be unable to understand or employ the research being generated. (Contains 1 figure.)

Discussion of the research-to-practice gap in special education focuses on the dissemination problems of scale, school politics, and social and institutional contexts, including schools of education. Recommendations include improving access to a teacher friendly research knowledge base, improving preservice education, creating broader staff development opportunities, and fostering school leadership. (Contains references.) (DB)

Reflects on purposes of education, emphasizing that motivation, locus of control, self-esteem, and causal attribution are vital components of a sensitive curriculum. Discusses the role of formal education and the state, ambiguities underlying formal education, and the need for a person-centered approach to curriculum. Concludes with assertions regarding the nature of a good system in times of rapid change. (Author/KB)

Examines preservice teacher education and professional development in Ireland, presenting a case study of graduates from one Irish college of education during their first 10 years of teaching elementary school and noting participants' involvement in professional development and graduate studies. Participants had no formal induction programs, though most were involved in some inservice education and most had permanent teaching jobs. (SM)

Explores the intersectional character of the vocational school and the resulting specific demands on the system of vocational education regarding its control. Discusses the law on the college of vocational education in North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany) and the supporting measures regarding quality management at vocational schools. (CMK)

Analysis of cooperative education policy documents from nine Ontario school districts indicated that statements about evaluation, remediation, equity, and teacher qualifications were inconsistent. Although the Ministry of Education and Training prescribes co-op for delivery of academic subjects. districts focus exclusively on career preparation and student development. (Contains 43 references.) (SK)

The Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Program (created under the Comprehensive Health Manpower Act of 1971) is briefly described followed by a discussion of the University of North Carolina's regional planning efforts for continuing education. Major planning problems--aggregate numbers, continuing education suppliers, geographic distribution, and budgets--are discussed and four characteristics of an appropriate strategy for solving these problems. (SH)

Examined data from repeated cross-sectional probability surveys of alcohol/drug use conducted biennially since 1979 in Ontario schools to determine relationships between classroom alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis education and student use of these substances. Found strong inverse association between increases in exposure to alcohol and drug education and reported use levels, especially for alcohol and for seventh graders. (Author/NB)

Argues that social studies teacher educators verbally promote the concept of social studies as education for democratic citizenship but do not practice democracy in their classrooms. Contends that social studies teacher education programs should be considered as an apprenticeship in democracy. Acknowledges that this approach is not easy to implement but provides suggestions for beginning the process. (CFR)

Presents study results of Japanese high school seniors determining how learning experiences outside formal schooling affect future education. Reports that students from higher socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to participate. Concludes that participation in certain forms of shadow education increases likelihood of university attendance. Suggests expanding theories of allocation to incorporate shadow education. (DK)

A survey of 100 Wisconsin secondary schools found that students with disabilities did not use a full range of vocational programs, that only 37 percent of students had participated in vocational assessment activities, and that half had vocational goals included in their Individualized Education Programs. Results are discussed in terms of access and equity issues. (DB)

This journal issue, presenting review of 1990 science education research, is divided into categories, including among others Conceptual Change and Achievement; Problem Solving; Science Process/Inquiry Skills; Cognitive Development and Logical Reasoning Skills; Assessment and Research Design; the Nature of Science; Science, Technology, and Society; Curriculum and Instructional Intervention Studies; Student Attitudes and Preferences; and Equity Issues and Science Education. (PR)

Asserts that the government of Papua New Guinea has developed a successful program of improved primary school teacher education since 1990. Outlines the origins and development of teacher education in that nation from missionary-directed centers in 1960 to a government-supported program of nine preservice centers at present. (CFR)

Describes the Quality Elementary Science Teaching (QUEST) program developed at Indiana University to improve the quality of science education by preparing prospective elementary school teachers more effectively. Highlights include uses of technology in science and education courses and results of surveys that measured students' computer attitudes and backgrounds. (Contains seven references.) (LRW)

Collaboration between Johns Hopkins University and the Montgomery County (Maryland) school system resulted in selection and graduate-level training of 12 nontraditional individuals to teach students with serious behavioral and learning problems. The goal was to alleviate teacher (especially minority teacher) shortages in special education. This paper details the collaborative agreement and program implementation issues. (Author/DB)