Education & Pedagogy

Survey of 141 rural special education teachers from Washington State indicated that teachers were unfamiliar with telecomputer networks and their potential use in the classroom, rarely used computer technology at home or at school, and perceived lack of knowledge as the biggest obstacle to using telecomputer networks and resources in the classroom. Contains 24 references. (LP)

Analyzes how a flourishing market economy has affected China's social policy and educational development, focusing on "marketization" and "privatization" in the Pearl River Delta, Guangdong Province. The Delta's expansion of multiple financial sources for education and huge demand for professional and technical education have stimulated development of private education, while simultaneously the central state is withdrawing from direct provision. (SV)

Data from five outdoor education programs in the United States and Australia indicate relatively low injury and illness rates and suggest a need to focus on hygiene practices and the prevention of athletic injuries. Documenting and analyzing injuries, illnesses, and "near misses" can enhance the safety of outdoor education programs. Contains 21 references. (LP)

John Lee's little-known 1984 study "Tomorrow's Teachers" shows that potential teachers' grade-point averages during 1974-83 did not decline or differ from other majors' GPAs. A 1996 UCLA study documents resistance to outcomes-based education at 10 schools. Well-educated parents of former high-track students pressured administrators to resegregate instruction by offering differentiated curricula. (MLH)

Examines the efficacy of alcohol education programs. This study (N=83) found that recency of exposure to alcohol education classes and discussion of alcohol advertising in those classes predicts adolescent cognitive resistance (counterarguing) to persuasive alcohol advertising for months or even years. Suggests greater attention to critical viewing skills in adolescent education experience. (LSR)

In the Spring 1995 "JLE" issue, Meredith and Underwood say conflict (over shrinking resources) is inevitable between regular and special education. This article disagrees. Even if special education costs were escalating as a percentage of all education costs, changes in funding systems are making educator wars less likely. In many states, special education funding is becoming less tied to special education costs and labels. (16 references) (MLH)

Drawing on one educator's experiences as a beginning professor, the article discusses the prospects of teacher education reform and beginning teachers as change agents, commenting on values conflicts within schools of education and between them and broader university communities, politics of epistemology, and reward structures in schools of education. (SM)

Describes an integrated approach to preservice teacher education and faculty/administrator development that is considered essential in creating inclusive classroom practices for students with disabilities. The paper discusses the redesigning of general and special education student teaching experiences, arguing that support is essential for adults and children to bring about successful educational change. (SM)

A survey of 88 middle school principals revealed that more than half used many specific strategies to facilitate inclusion of disabled students in general education classes. No significant differences existed among respondents demographically, but differences between principals who had been special education teachers and those who had not may support mentoring approaches to enhance inclusion efforts. (EV)

A three-year study investigated two areas of inquiry in the field of special education: (1) maintaining students with disabilities within general education kindergarten environment; and (2) impact of hypermedia software technology on the learning of kindergarten students. Results suggest that hypermedia pre-reading materials hold significant promise for early childhood education. (SD)

Responds to Goodlad's comments that a school of education not preparing teachers is an anomaly that provokes mischief, suggesting that it also promotes disbelief. States that the primary mission of schools, colleges, and departments of education (SCDEs) is the preparation of teachers, noting that many SCDEs have lost sight of that focus and examining Goodlad's seven suggestions for improving teaching. (SM)

An interview with Native American educator, Vine Deloria, Jr., discusses changes in the state of higher education for American Indians over the past 30 years, focusing on pitfalls for Indian students entering higher education, suggestions regarding how to improve training for teachers of Indian students, the place of traditional knowledge in postsecondary education, and his dreams for the future. (CDS)

Describes the experiences of Ethiopian science student teachers and considers factors affecting their professional development with regard to their practical work. Proposes ways in which the Ethiopian Ministry of Education might implement changes to practice in preservice teacher education in order to meet the objectives of new educational reforms. Contains 40 references. (Author/WRM)

Based on a panel at the 10th World Congress of Comparative Education Societies, this paper discusses how an initiative to promote girls' education in Zambia has influenced policy development to the point where the Zambian Ministry of Education now has clear directives on girls' education. Analyzes some of the important factors contributing to this outcome. Contains 21 references. (VWC)

Discussion of effects of "institutionalized racism" on the education of black and minority children with special educational needs in the United Kingdom focuses on a Scottish study which raised issues concerning: racism in special education research; over and under representation in special education; equitable assessment, curriculum and access to services; and perspectives of black and minority parents. (Contains references.) (DB)