Education & Pedagogy

This is the report of an ad hoc committee on global education appointed by the National Council for the Social Studies. The report details the charges against global education raised by United States government critics, examines issues underlying global education curricula, and draws implications for social studies. Concludes with recommendations for continuing and improving global education. (JDH)

This discussion of educational decision making for the use of new information and communication technologies in elementary education focuses on the increase in home computers. Political and economic influences on German education are reviewed, as well as considerations relating to teacher qualifications and the teaching-learning interaction. (Author/LRW)

Describes the environmental education program at the University of Michigan's School of Natural Resources. Discusses the roles of environmental education, advocacy, and communication in the overall scope of the program. Outlines the school's academic programs in environmental education at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. (TW)

Reports the results of a survey of U.K. librarians that examined where practitioners received training for user education. The finding that training was predominantly received outside of the library school setting is discussed in terms of the need for user education courses within library school curriculums. (CLB)

Eight British special schools for students (aged 2-19) with severe learning difficulties were surveyed for information on treatment of various aspects of sex education, teaching methods, and resources used. The findings were applied to the issues of curriculum, resources, staff development, parent involvement, school policy, and local authority policy. (JDD)

Examines trends in education in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (O.E.C.D.) member countries: (1) accountability, (2) politicization, (3) planning for change, (4) teachers and change, (5) role of national councils, and (6) resourcing of adult education. Discusses how these factors impinge on the development of adult education. (Author/CH)

Describes the new national policy changes in education as: (1) dividing the secondary school into two phases, each lasting three years; (2) creating the junior secondary school composed of pre-vocational and academic courses; and (3) creating the senior secondary school which is comprehensive in its curriculum. (BSR)

The study evaluated research quality and journal outlets in special education. Both data-based research and reviews of the literature from special education and non-special education journals were compared on such criteria as research sophistication and citations of articles of review board members. A general lack of research sophistication was found. (Author/DB)

Traces the development of environmental education in Scotland. Describes the interdisciplinary efforts that have taken place in both elementary and secondary schools since 1974, noting the integration of environmental topics and concepts into various subject areas. Urges Scottish schools to further infuse environmental education into the curriculum. (TW)

Describes some of the environmental education programs underway at the University of Georgia, particularly those that deal with public policy issues. Discusses efforts underway on campus, as well as through the Cooperative Extension Service, the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, and the continuing education center. (TW)

Presents data on the content and hours of instruction allocated for preparing Australian secondary school teachers to teach reading. Compares data collected in 1986 with similar data from 1976, noting the trend toward more hours in reading education, and a lack of consensus about the content of required reading courses. (MM)

Describes the Rising Senior Program at the Georgia Institute of Technology, which is a cooperative education program designed to provide student interns with an opportunity to apply engineering principles to real problems related to the business interests of the Milliken textile manufacturing company. (TW)

The value of part-time versus full-time higher education is examined in relation to six themes: demand, access and equity; maturity and adult development; employment and activity; residence; cost-effectiveness and productivity; and flexibility and innovation. It is suggested that higher education is seriously undervalued in Britain. (MSE)

Access to postsecondary science education for students with disabilities was examined. A comparison of recruiting materials from further colleges, polytechnics, and universities indicated that institutions of higher education provided more positive information. A survey of 26 science departments revealed that there is little staff training or funding for improvements and equipment. (Author/CH)

An assessment model for a preservice teacher education program is described that is developmental, allows for skills enhancement, involves both arts and science education faculty review, and includes evaluation strategies other than standard pen-and-pencil tests. Assumptions underlying the model are presented and the sequence of assessments as implemented is described. (JD)