Education & Pedagogy

Explores how religion is a pervasive influence in moral education in both the home and school in Japan, despite an official secular policy. Points out that after 1945 nationalism was replaced by secular social studies. Finds western thought included with Buddhism and Confucianism in government decrees on the curriculum. Places newly reemerging patriotism in context. (NL)

Responds to critiques of the National Commission for Social Studies in the Schools' curriculum report, "Charting A Course: Social Studies for the 21st Century" (Social Education, Nov-Dec, 1990). Contends that the guideline provides for citizenship education, disciplined knowledge, and reflective education. Argues that the debate represents the traditional division over what forms the core of social studies education. (NL)

It is proposed that literature can contribute to the teaching of human values in pharmaceutical education. Two texts illustrating pertinent issues are examined, and the process and relevance of literature instruction in humanistic education are discussed. Where, when, and why to integrate literature into the pharmacy curriculum are also addressed. (MSE)

Although pharmaceutical education embraces the concept of a patient-centered curriculum, it does not instill a patient-centered ethos and sends students out to practice in primarily product-centered settings. Professional dissonance and frustration result. One part of the solution may be in increasing the emphasis on liberal education and interdisciplinarity in higher education. (MSE)

The study examined the range of reading skills in 2,812 general education students in grades 1-6 attending 34 elementary schools. Results documented a wide range of reading skills both within and across grades. Findings are discussed in terms of relations between general and special education. (Author/DB)

Arnold Mitchem, executive director, National Council of Educational Opportunity Associations (NCEOA), answers questions concerning key educational issues, the federal government's educational agenda, the Higher Education Act's reauthorization, federal policy influences on developmental and minority education, faculty retraining, financial concerns, NCEOA's political work, and the politics of developmental education. (DMM)

This article addresses system-level, teacher-level, and child-level concerns to be addressed if efforts to operationalize the Regular Education Initiative are to be given a reasonable scientific test. Diagnosing current teacher competencies and improving upon relevant skills is seen as crucial to the attainment of child-level objectives. (Author/PB)

Addresses teacher education literature's lack of multicultural perspectives. Proposes a framework for restructuring teacher preparation by developing a reconstructionist perspective, engaging in comprehensive curricular change, providing theoretical and practice knowledge, framing multilayered experiences, and sustaining comprehensive faculty development. The curriculum should help teachers reflect critically about multiculturalism. (64 references) (MLH)

Students from the universities of British Columbia and Victoria were surveyed over a two-year period to determine the relationship between participation in a cooperative education program and academic progress (309 in co-op and 690 not in co-op). Results show better performance by cooperative education students than by those not in cooperative education. (JOW)

A survey of 19 past presidents of the Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children investigated what they believed would be and would not be important in the future, and the trends in teacher education that concerned them. Results found inclusion, diversity, and teacher collaboration to be dominant themes. (Author/CR)

Examines the ethnic distribution between college of education faculty and public school teachers. Describes one comprehensive program designed to help reduce this type of ethnic discrepancy. Discusses how the program enhances faculty sensitivity to cultural issues, provides support for minorities in a teacher education program, and extends within the public school system. (GR)

Path analysis of data from 349 English as a Second Language (ESL), 111 adult basic education (ABE), and 154 adult secondary education students indicated that student persistence contributed to reading achievement only in ESL and had a negative effect in ABE. Initial ability, individualized curricula, and full-time staff were primary influences on ABE achievement. (SK)

Examines the controversy over what some consider liberal education's shortcoming in a multicultural society: that it is predominantly an exclusive white male, Europe and North American centered curriculum. Explores assumptions held by those supporting liberal education as it is currently taught and by those who believe it should not ignore the contributions of other cultures and ethnic groups. (GR)

Investigates civic education curricular reform in the former German Democratic Republic (GDR). Discusses the problems inherent in reforming an entire educational system, from textbooks to teachers, originally designed for Marxist-Leninist purposes. Examines the German state educational structure and the role that the main political parties play in this process. (MJP)

The Hatch Act of 1887 established agricultural education as primarily academic with a strong scientific base, supported by the leadership of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Smith-Hughes Act shifted to vocational emphasis and leadership by the Federal Board for Vocational Education. Examination of the profession's history can lead back to agricultural science roots. (SK)