Education & Pedagogy

In the United Kingdom, vocational education and training are dominated by competence approaches that seek to regulate behavior through outcomes. In Germany, they serve the broader purpose of education for citizenship. Narrow competency-based education does not develop critical skills or cultivate a sense of shared autonomy. (SK)

Contends that to realize their leadership potential art teachers must forge connections with the community. Discusses three connections and argues that they are crucial to increased participation of all students and teachers in viable art education programs. (CFR)

Uses statements in adventure education brochures to indicate assumptions in the field of adventure education. Points out discrepancies between these assumptions and actual practice. Examines assumptions that adventure education promotes personal growth, that learning from adventure experiences transfers to other areas, and that adventure education builds character and teaches morality. (SV)

Trends in postsecondary business education in Poland are examined, drawing on results of recent surveys. Topics addressed include the design and evaluation of programs at different levels, influences of Western programs and pedagogy, demand for business education, and implications for further development of the system. (MSE)

A survey of more than 3,000 Japanese corporations received 540 replies indicating that the basic division of roles of formal education and in-house training has not changed. Emphasis on in-company training will continue, and employers' expectations of formal education still focus on basic skills and character building. (SK)

This article examines Broadley v. Board of Education of the City of Meriden, wherein the Supreme Court of Connecticut held that the state constitutional right to free public education does not grant gifted children special education rights. Implications are discussed and recommendations are offered for informing stakeholders of legal threats to gifted education. (Author/PB)

A survey examined characteristics of secondary educators in Texas teaching health education. Teachers with more preparation in health education were more confident and competent educators. Less than half had degrees in health education, and 10% had no academic background in health education. Most believed health education was as important as other courses. (SM)

This essay suggests that gifted education is a strategy for singling out the children of the affluent for training in leadership and dominance, rather than focusing on advanced academic preparation. Gifted education is seen as being organized around the personal and social traits associated with the gifted themselves rather than academic rigor. (DB)

The nature and organization of continuing education within the higher education systems of Canada, Finland, and the United Kingdom are examined and compared. Although there are considerable differences between the systems, there is also significant variation within them. Little stability is seen, and change is foreseen as pressures increase. (Author/MSE)

Analysis of 188 returned questionnaires from graduates of doctoral special education programs from 1989 through 1991 found that 58% took jobs in institutions of higher education, though only 37% accepted positions as tenure-track faculty members. Career goals remained constant from program admission to graduation. (Author/DB)

The authors debate religion's rightful role in public education. Losito argues that an unduly high, thick wall separates religion and public education; the curriculum has been sanitized of a constitutionally, pedagogically appropriate study of religious ideas and events. Gordon asserts that including religion in education would conflict with both democratic and family values. (MLH)

Over the past two years, the KEYS (Keys to Excellence in Your School) project research team, in concert with National Education Association (NEA) leaders, members, and advisors, has completed many important tasks in improving the quality of public education by disseminating information, lobbying for quality education, and refining the original KEYS instrument and study. (SM)

Briefly reports, defines, and classifies central questions and issues in moral education. Traces recent theoretical developments in moral philosophy and moral reasoning and relates these to education for democratic values. Concludes with a recommendation to apply these principles globally. (MJP)

Using data from eight years of the Research About Teacher Education (RATE) Project of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the paper describes profiles of teacher education faculty who participated in the project, noting similarities and differences among the faculty in several teacher education specialties and among various institutions. (SM)

Discusses findings from two surveys of the contribution to environmental education of social studies, science, and health education in primary subject teaching and of geography and science teaching at the secondary level. Examines difficulties of developing environmental education in schools. (Author/MKR)