Education & Pedagogy

This article reviews special education in Ireland and concludes that despite greater resources in special education as a result of critical reports and legal judgments, Ireland has retained the parallel systems of special and mainstream education and placement of students with disabilities is still principally determined by a categorical approach. (Contains references.) (CR)

Examines potential issues related to diversity and the role of mentoring in Health Education and Promotion, focusing on: the history and definition of mentoring; the structure of mentoring programs; diversity issues related to students, Health Education and Promotion professionals, and their constituents in the context of mentoring; mentoring students for society; and implications of mentoring diverse populations in the health education profession. (SM)

Presents evidence of a substantial decline in undergraduate degrees in economics from 1992 through 1996 in Australia, Canada, Germany, and the United States. Finds no correlation between decline and degree cost, tightened grading standards, or degree requirements. Finds increased interest in business education to be the predominant cause. (RLH)

Suggests that distance education instructors need to understand and apply important instructional design elements in order to successfully fulfill their role as instructional designers. Reviews the most recent literature pertaining to designing instruction in distance education. Identifies some key instructional design elements for teaching at a distance. Provides suggestions for their application in the distance education teaching process. (Author/AEF)

Compared the perceptions of graduates of four-year and extended teacher preparation programs regarding their preparation and initial teaching experiences after entering the teaching profession. Data from surveys of and interview with beginning teachers suggest that the extended program structure can accommodate best practices in teacher education and can do so better than the four year program structure. (SM)

Describes a college course enhanced by hands-on science applications and a service-learning project. Requires registered students to participate in volunteer training at a nature center and offers certification in several environmental education curricula. Reports successful outcomes with regard to conceptual development and teaching experiences. (Contains 13 references.) (Author/YDS)

The big questions concerning education in Canada go unresolved because conversations about them occur separately within like-minded enclaves. There needs to be a national, public dialogue about the broader education issues. Accomplishing this requires giving up the search for the silver bullet, separating the issues differently, abandoning "turf," and capturing the imagination of the public. (TD)

In this interview, Dorothy Sisk discusses gifted education, teacher education, gifted identification, encouraging gifted girls, on-line teacher education, and support services for beginning teachers, family involvement, social and emotional needs of the gifted, gifted minority students, vocational occupational awareness for gifted students, underachievement, and the future of gifted education. (CR)

A review of 2001 state policies on gifted education found that states varied on their definitions of giftedness. Twenty-seven mandate full or partial gifted education, 9 require an individualized education program for gifted students, but only 4 require gifted students and children with disabilities to be identified, located, and evaluated similarly. (Contains references.) (CR)

This paper describes an alternative portfolio practicum option for veteran teachers seeking certification and/or a graduate degree in special education while on the job. It explains eligibility for students to participate in the Portfolio Practicum, mandatory components and learning activities (e.g., seminars and consultations), and outcomes for the 28 students who have completed the program. (Contains 5 references.) (DB)

Addresses issues of equity in science learning and teaching for linguistically and culturally diverse students, synthesizing major issues and research findings for effective classroom practices in the multicultural science education literature. The article offers recommendations for a research agenda that contributes to achieving the goal of science for all, including linguistically and culturally diverse students. (Contains references.) (SM)

In mental health settings, human service education students may participate in the administration, recording, and monitoring of prescribed psychoactive medications. This paper reviews three common groups of psychiatric medications, focusing on clinical applications, central effects, and how human service education students can assist in their safe and therapeutic use. (Contains 18 references.) (GCP)

Examines the history of behavioral analysis, particularly experimental research conducted in physical education settings, categorizing 34 studies by focus (preservice/inservice teacher behavior, student learning, classroom management, or learning among students with disabilities in inclusive or adapted settings). While findings have been robust and designs typically rigorous, researchers have not assessed generality, maintenance, or social validity well. (Contains references.) (SM)

Reviews the traditional educational practices provided to gifted children in the Chinese heritage and in colonial Hong Kong. States that gifted education should be reconsidered as encompassing both education for the gifted and talent development to enable students equal opportunities in pursuing excellence. (CMK)

Describes a study that investigated the integration of distance education technologies into a preservice teachers' science methodology course. Highlights include a theoretical framework; effects of prior technology courses; effects of participation on student attitudes regarding the use of distance education technology; and correlations between students' perceived skill and confidence. (Author/LRW)