Education & Pedagogy

After 30 years of failing to live up to the promises of its proponents, instructional technology has finally started to play an effective role in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education. Asserts that students in courses delivered entirely with technology have begun to outperform students in traditional lecture-based courses, a trend that will most likely accelerate with time. (Author/MM)

Describes a pilot survey conducted in an international, English-language K-12 school to determine what parents value in international education. Finds that parents in this school rated English language education higher than international education. Ponders whether these parents also view international education and English language education as one and the same. (NB)

To examine the possibility of gender bias in special education referral and admission, this study reviewed records of 695 students admitted to special education over 3 years. Findings support the hypothesis that males are not necessarily overrepresented in the special education population but, instead, females who could benefit from special education services are underrepresented, possibly due to gender bias. (Contains references.) (Author/DB)

This study maps education inequity in Guangxi province from various perspectives and argues that the inequity generally exists among different areas and different groups within the province. The author then provides some policy suggestions for the government to correct the education imbalances. (Contains 1 table.) [This article was translated by Ted Wang.]

This paper explores the role of socio-economic status in determining access to higher education over time. Findings show that the overall equality of higher education opportunity has improved because of the inclusion of more marginal students into lower-tier higher education institutions (HEIs); however, students from higher socio-economic status have benefited disproportionably from the expansion in elite universities. A brief discussion of the potential implications is presented.

Challenged by the national residency registration system in China, migrant children have always faced obstacles in accessing public education. Recent policy changes, however, have brought hope for these children. This article introduces some international concerns regarding migrant children and provides a close view of Chinese perspectives. Issues relating to access to public education and recommendations for policies and practices are also discussed.

The conventional wisdom is that students who are underprepared for colleges are least likely to access and benefit from online courses. Yet online course opportunities in developmental education are increasing every year. This article talks about the development of online developmental education and the challenges of delivering online courses. Specifically, the authors discuss the institutional barriers to the creation of online developmental education and the concerns that online education presents for students who take developmental education classes.

This article discusses the need and challenges of developing nations regarding audiological and educational services for children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Stellar international programs are described. Availability and use of current computer technology is discussed and suggestions are made for international projects in audiology and deaf education. (Contains 4 references.) (Author/CR)

Investigates the effect of education and the role of technical progress on economic growth in Taiwan from 1965-2000. Finds that education has a positive and significant effect on growth, but the role of technical progress does not appear to be extraordinarily important. Furthermore, no markedly significant relationships exist between capital and education or between education and technical progress. (Contains 16 references.) (Author/PKP)

Examines disproportionality in special education among Israeli Arabs. Arab children are more likely than Jewish children to be placed in special education. Negev bedouin Arab children, however, are underrepresented in special education. Discusses whether a culture of disability is being fostered among the Arab citizens of Israel and whether bedouin Arab's low usage of special education services is a sign of passive resistance. (SM)

Proposes that in the context of developing countries such as Mexico, one role of environmental education is to facilitate the utilization of ecological information in the solution of problems. Conducts a case study to outline the role of environmental education as the linkage between science and different sectors of society involved in the management of ecosystems. (Contains 50 references.) (Author/YDS)

This article uses the analogy of mastering the game of golf to illuminate education-leadership preparation and practice. A response attempts a connection between the golf analogy as an argument for the implementation of leadership-practice fields in education-administration preparation programs, highlighting the importance of practice in the profession. (AUTHOR)

Catalogs Montessori citations in the literature. References are divided by over 100 topic areas, including child development; activities; administration; classroom management; special education; bilingual education; gifted and talented education; Head Start; history-social studies; language arts; mathematics; organization news and information; Montessori method; parent education; practical life; reviews of research; standards; and television. (HTH)

Describes a Comenius project conducted by mathematics teachers from four European countries. The project was based on the idea that mathematics education has deep political connotations. Throughout the project, participants focused on ways that teachers could be influenced and stimulated so that they could actively contribute to the development of a new culture of mathematics education, which was consciously democratic. (SM)

Describes the essential link among content standards, curriculum, instruction, professional development, and assessment in elementary physical education, discussing the National Association for Sport and Physical Education standards for physical education and emphasizing the importance of assessment in monitoring student progress, improving instruction, and ultimately producing physically educated individuals. The paper stresses the need for physical education to accept its public health role. (SM)