Education & Pedagogy

Sees the presence of ethnic groups in a polyethnic society as giving rise to the "pluralist dilemma in education." Reviews Fiji's demographic, economic, and ethnic composition (50% Indian, 45% Fijian). Discusses Fijian education in terms of its history, the school curriclum and evaluation methods. Describes Indian fears of Fijian control. (BRR)

Explores some basic theoretical questions pertaining to positive discrimination in education, drawing from empirical experiences of several countries that have practiced it in one form or another--the United States, India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. Encompasses policies and practices that have variously been called reverse discrimination, preferential treatment, or affirmative action. (BRR)

Issues in postdoctoral dental education and distinctions between the general practice residency and the advanced education program in general dentistry include: the need for practitioners and further specialization in the work force, society's health care needs, and changes in the health care industry, dental education, dental departments, and hospitals. (MSE)

Describes a program, developed by the home economics department and the elementary education department at Middle Tennessee State University, which emphasizes early childhood development and family life in relation to community and school environments. Examines curriculum organization, practical student experience, the development of a degree program, and program benefits. (CT)

Biology teachers (N=86) who used dental health education curriculum module were surveyed on their opinions about the place of health education in the curriculum, feelings about the module, and response of their pupils. Concludes that integration of health education into the curriculum can be achieved without sacrificing scientific syllabus elements. (Author/JN)

Articles and documents from the ERIC databases are cited which emphasize trends likely to affect education in the 1980s, and which project possible futures for the field. Social change, student needs, and demands likely to be placed on the schools are described. Several documents relate specifically to the future of teacher education. (PP)

Describes activities of the nine Centers and one Day Care Center (in England and Wales) sponsored by the Field Studies Council. Focuses on inservice teacher education courses and center-run courses in environmental subjects. Includes a sample outline for a one-week course, indicating exercises/principles and instructional strategies for each day. (JN)

Seven mathematics teacher education programs are described. Two focus on the elementary level (Arizona State University, University of Houston); one concentrates on middle schools (University of Georgia); two deal with the secondary level (Illinois State University; University of Minnesota); and two represent statewide inservice efforts (University of Wyoming, Montana Council of Teachers of Mathematics). (PP)

A series of five case studies examines (1) literacy, health, and conscientization in the Mandar region of India; (2) the training of community health workers in Indonesia; (3) the Chinese strategy combining health, political will, and participation; (4) British community-based health education programs, and (5) participatory methodology for integrating literacy and health education in Honduras. (SK)

Investigated effects of an environmental science education program on inservice teachers (N=51) views of science and attitudes toward environmental science education. Results indicated that the year-long program had positive impact on attitudes of those in the control group. (SK)

Examines the possibility of "privitizing" education (a government policy, such as a voucher or tax credit system, which combines public financing with private production of the service). Describes the Dutch system of publicly funded private education. Suggests that private organizations and local governments find themselves competing to provide quasi-public goods. (BRR)

Recommendations of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers regarding measures that should be implemented in Western Europe concerning the learning and teaching of modern languages are outlined. General measures and measures concerning language learning at all school levels, language learning by migrants, teacher education, and international cooperation are included. (RM)

Five sets of implementation problems of adult education are examined: (1) diffusion of organizational responsibility, (2) lack of an integrated approach, (3) aims and priorities of adult education and the lack of learner motivation, (4) resource requirements, and (5) the imposition by formal education of constraints upon adult education. (RM)

Reviews communications satellites configurations (point-to-point, distribution, and direct broadcast)and presents an overview of primary uses for satellite communications worldwide, including extension of preparatory and first year university courses; inservice teacher, professional, and continuing education; non-formal education; primary level formal instruction; and audio teleconferencing. Future trends are also discussed. (MBR)

Discusses the dangers of quick-fix solutions to the current crisis in science education and the need for a philosophical base and theoretical teaching strategies. Proposes science and mathematics study as requirements for grades K-14 and implementation of a vertically articulated curriculum. Concludes by calling for pluralistic response to the challenge. (JM)