Education & Pedagogy

Introduces an issue that begins with an article by John Goodlad on the theme of whither schools of education and then presents the responses of several other people. The issue also includes one paper not directly related to Goodlad's article which focuses on the rigors of institutionalized Professional Development Schools. (SM)

Discusses an innovative process that was used for engaging prospective teachers in collaboration and reflection on their learning as they developed a multi-media portfolio. (Contains 15 references.) (WRM)

Health care providers now have collective responsibility for clinical outcomes, so professional continuing education should emphasize collaborative generation and application of knowledge. Continuing education professionals should act as performance consultants implementing the principles of organizational learning that, combined with individual learning, should improve the quality and cost effectiveness of health care. (SK)

Maintains that arts educators must guide students toward an understanding of artistic excellence that will inspire them to be avid audiences for art. Asserts that more rigorous and substantive standards in the arts curriculum is the first step toward reform. Describes alternatives to public education and the choice of charter schools. (CMK)

Examines the "borders" a preservice science education student encountered as she completed her student teaching in a cultural setting that was different from her own. Suggests that, during field experiences, preservice teachers may encounter multiple cultural borders, some consistent and some inconsistent with their instructional philosophy. Contains 25 references. (Author/ASK)

Amherst, Brown, and Williams, elite liberal arts colleges, are discussing the possibility of venturing into distance education with Global Education Network, or at least expanding the use of online components in their existing courses. Projections show colleges could earn up to $250,000 per course, but some faculty and administrators see distance education as inimical to their institutions' missions. (DB)

This rejoinder to comments on the authors' article (EC 623 392) on a renewed emphasis on parent education in early intervention discusses the nature of parent education, the intended outcomes of parent education, professional training needs, and a research agenda. (DB)

Describes the education system in Singapore and new initiatives designed to meet the challenges of the new millennium. Singapore has always placed a premium on education and will continue to invest heavily in young people to prepare them for a future characterized by globalization. Emphasis on elementary and secondary education will be accompanied by the founding of a third university. (SLD)

Analysis of data from cooperative education students revealed a high probability that students would participate in co-op work tasks that develop general education skills in communication, visual literacy, and critical thinking. The ability to use these skills in practice is a significant outcome of cooperative education. (SK)

Provides a comprehensive picture of federal financial support for education. Data from the budget offices of federal agencies show that the federal government provides support for education well beyond programs funded through the Department of Education. After adjustment for inflation, federal support had increased 47% between fiscal year 1990 and fiscal year 1999. (Author/SLD)

Examines the debate over privatizing public education through educational vouchers, summarizing practical issues raised when the ideals of choice and freedom are translated into real public policy. Addresses two important questions: "How much, and for whom?" and "Do markets produce quality?" Suggests that public educators must show that choice and educational excellence do not require privatization. (SM)

Explores vocational-technical education and secondary specialized educational institutions in Russia. Presents the results from a sociological survey, in February through April 1996, focusing on the Moscow Technical College, a state-run, secondary, specialized educational institution providing graduates of ninth through eleventh grades a professional secondary and primary higher education. (CMK)

Discusses the current science education reform movement in the United States and identifies some of the pathways seen as contributing to a new vision of science education. Focuses on the changing image of science, scientific literacy, linking science education with the work place, modernizing science curricula, and future policy in science education. (Contains 30 references.) (ASK)

Describes the online distance education efforts of Salish Kootenai College (Montana) which is using inexpensive software and a staff of three people to provide 50 courses to several hundred students. Emphasis is on traditional values, including service over profit, collaborative learning, spirituality, creative thinking, and problem solving. (DB)

Discusses the increasing role of the London-based media conglomerate Pearson PLC and its subsidiary FT Knowledge in bringing together various Pearson assets in distance and corporate education. The company is developing partnerships with several elite institutions to develop course material for world-wide marketing. Other initiatives include the Learning Network and a partnership with Blackboard. (DB)