Education & Pedagogy

A discussion of the current cost and financing of higher education looks at how higher education has been treated in federal policy in recent years, its status in public policy in the near future, including some salient uncertainties, and college cost and student debt. Emphasis is given to trends in the cost of professional education. (MSE)

This paper presents the academic benefits of bilingual education gained by language-minority students, highlighting school districts that have had great success with bilingual education and discussing the negative consequences of the proposed English for Children initiative, which would end bilingual education and instead provide intensive sheltered English followed by placement in regular classrooms. (SM)

Describes the experiences of one California elementary school teacher who, after being involved in bilingual education, helped author a referendum to eliminate bilingual education as practiced in California, replacing it with sheltered English immersion and regular English classes. He notes failures in bilingual education and discusses successes he has seen with children who are immersed in English. (SM)

Describes the historical and current roles that educational statistics play in the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the National Library of Education. Discusses helpful sources of educational statistics, including population, economic, and education surveys; census results; school district directories; reports of school enrollment, staff, and revenues; and state assessments of educational progress. (LRW)

Deplores the demise of progressive education and the current movement to turn schools and other public institutions over to private greed and political self-interest. Instead of blaming teachers, critics should rectify teaching/learning conditions and level the school resources playing field. It is time to construct a new curriculum forged from democratic values and aspirations. (MLH)

Discusses the research in technology education as reported in 145 articles from the "Journal of Technology Education," 1989-1997. Indicates that conservative opinions are favored and critical voices the exception and suggests that closer attention must be paid to the politics of data, methods, theories, and epistemological visions. (JOW)

Applies production functions with education externalities to East Asia, testing for net effects of policy differences concerning enrollments vs. expenditures and for feedbacks through education's effects on rates of physical and capital investment. Since most countries had universal primary education early, the rate of secondary-education expansion was crucial in achieving high investment rates and high per capita growth. (50 references) (MLH)

University education was originally intended for an elite group; the campus environment and teacher-student relationships were as important as study. Now access has widened and fewer students live on campus. Failure to distinguish between various forms of higher education (e.g., vocational qualifications) is harmful to the status of the college degree. (Author/SK)

Observes that contemporary Protestant denominations suffer from poor religious education of their members. Suggests that educators should look to John Wesley for guidance. Discusses Wesley's development of educational methods and materials in 18th-century England. Argues that religious education must enhance cognitive knowledge and encourage conversion and personal commitment. (DSK)

Current philosophies of facilitation in experiential education can alienate women and minority groups. Identifies four "methods traps" that prevent a methods approach from achieving a more equitable education. Reexamines Kurt Hahn's philosophies of service and self-reliance in light of racial and cultural sensitivities. Includes suggestions for research, training, and practices. (TD)

Reviews the use of IQ scores in determining special education placement. It argues that although IQ is central to state education codes and their eligibility criteria for special education, the evidence shows that many children exhibiting psychometric scores that would make them eligible are never referred. (Author/CR)

Presents an interesting meditation on the journey of art from private vision, appreciated by a few wealthy patrons and scholars, to the realm of public enterprise. Examines some of what has been gained and lost in this process. Provides an overview of the post World War II development of art education. (MJP)

A review of enrollments, graduates, and costs for Mozambique secondary technical schools and the results of a follow-up employment survey conducted at graduate reunion parties indicate low internal and external efficiency and high unit costs in the technical education system, particularly "basic" technical schools. Three possible types of policy reform are discussed: moderate, extensive, and radical. (SV)

Discusses the status of optometric residency education, looking briefly at its history, accreditation, growth, comparison with other professions, program content and enrollment, use of residency as a qualification, entry-level competence, potential for program expansion, and financial resources and pressures. Concludes that much development of residency education is needed. (MSE)

A study involving 1,107 teachers and student-teachers compared special educational policies in Israel and under the Palestinian Authority. Palestinian teachers tended to have a more radical view of issues concerning education and equity as they pertained to the necessity of educating all children in order to build a strong nation. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)