Education & Pedagogy

Presents results of a survey of graduate library education programs conducted by the University of Missouri-Columbia to determine off-campus teaching practices and policies. A review of the literature on distance education in library and information science is included, and further research is suggested. (Seven references) (LRW)

Results from a survey of 65 Australian first-year teacher-trainees indicate that the majority of students are positively inclined but ill prepared to take advantage of the computers they find at their disposal when entering a teacher education training institution. Implications for teacher education courses are explored. (IAH)

Regular classroom teachers (n=114) who had taken a special education course were queried as to the value of the information presented to them, after they had begun to teach mainstreamed students. Results indicated that teachers considered the topics covered to be very important, and reported themselves to be fairly competent to deal with mainstreamed students. (Author/JDD)

Curriculum reform in higher education is focusing on enhancement of undergraduate education in a variety of ways, including multicultural education, specialized courses for freshmen and seniors, improved calculus instruction, and development of thinking and writing skills. Strengthened general education requirements are a major target in many institutions. (MSE)

Presents a brief history of music education in Nigerian educational institutions along with the goals and objectives. States music educators are traditional master musicians or Western educated professionals. Claims the focus of music education is on Western music. Makes recommendations for a radical revision of the curriculum and changes in government policies. (NL)

Advocates using Britain's system of outdoor and field study centers will impact environmental education. The two main traditions in outdoor education have been field studies and outdoor pursuits. A suggested model for environmental education involves (1) raising awareness; (2) developing knowledge and understanding; (3) teaching skills of investigation; (4) developing attitudes and values; and (5) encouraging action. (KS)

A discussion of Botswana higher education looks at the relationship between higher education and labor force participation and types of higher education programs available, A study of 102 University of Botswana graduates examined perceived job-relevance of their undergraduate training and pursuit of graduate or on-the-job training. (MSE)

Emphasizes the importance of developing an Aboriginal form of education by Aboriginal teachers. Expresses concern that the western bureaucratic educational system will not permit a suitable Aboriginal system to develop. Describes the Deakin-Batchelor Teacher Education Program as an example of action research in Aboriginal teacher education. Discusses the program's structure, intent, and principles. (DK)

Provides an overview of the issues shaping efforts to reform elementary education in the People's Republic of China. China's school organization and practices invite comparison with aspects of the U.S. system of elementary education. Enduring features of Chinese elementary education are discussed. (Author/BB)

Current teacher education programs do not provide appropriate knowledge for teaching minority students. The article focuses on American Indian students as an example. It discusses the value of using students' home language and culture at school, particularly in the early years, and stresses the value of responsive teaching methods. (SM)

The current economic development orientation of rural adult literacy education policy in China and Tanzania represents a break with earlier socialist commitments to social equity. These parallel policy shifts in China and Tanzania have been influenced by diverse political and economic factors, both internal and external. Contains 36 references. (SV)

Data on 1990, 1991, and 1992 spending by the Department of Education and other federal agencies include dollar amounts of student assistance, graduate support, institutional assistance, bilingual education, library resources, aid to disadvantaged, education research and statistics, handicapped education, scientific research, health research and training, arts and humanities, civil rights. (MSE)

Presents a bibliography on education in Africa. Topics addressed include religion and education; modernization and development, including political aspects, language policy, planning and financing, and international cooperation; education for community and rural development; education and work; demographic and environmental problems; and groups in need of special attention, including women and ethnic groups. (770 references) (LRW)

An international project is setting a research agenda for examining ways in which demands for change in higher education are shaped and interpreted by the higher education community in different countries. The research focuses on (1) the regulatory relationship between government and higher education institutions, and (2) classification and stratification of institutions. (MSE)

The paper describes implementation and evaluation of the Bilingual Special Education Teacher Training program developed at California State University, Fresno. The program includes a summer intensive training program for teacher trainees to gain skills in assessing and instructing Spanish-speaking learning-handicapped children and in working with their parents. (Author/JDD)