Education & Pedagogy

Explains that a goal of symphony orchestra education programs is to enhance the attainment of concepts associated with the elementary music curriculum, but there is little evidence of student learning as a result of these programs. Finds one exception is the assessment component of the Arts in Community Education Partnership (Milwaukee, Wisconsin). (CMK)

This historical overview of higher education research in South Africa finds that research foci and methods have been shaped by the political agenda of the "old" South Africa. Identifies issues, such as redressing past inequalities, which higher education must address as part of the transformation process of both higher education and South African society as a whole. (DB)

In the past, adult education focused on basic training, providing general skills that lasted a lifetime. Today social and economic pressures are pushing adults into lifelong learning. For lifelong learning to become a reality, a system is needed that allows individuals to further their learning, with regular periodic breaks, without penalties or discontinuity. (Author/TD)

Traces the growth and development of higher education for American Indians during the 20th century. Discusses assimilationist educational policies (1870s-1920s), a tiny group of Indian college graduates who advanced Native higher education, early college preparatory schools and the role of the church, shift in federal policy (1930s), activism (1960s), Indian Education Act (1972), and establishment of tribal colleges. (SV)

Educacion y Trabajo is a Chilean popular education program that provides participants, ages 15-30, with basic technical-skills training, personal-development training (to promote consciousness raising and self-evaluation), on-the-job training, and management training in microenterprises. A study of six female participants showed the program's empowering effects on their personal and economic situations. (SV)

Briefly describes Oregon's 1991 gifted education law; formal parent complaints alleging noncompliance by Portland and Salem-Keizer school districts; state department of education findings of noncompliance; and the steps taken to improve gifted education. Sidebars discuss tailoring teacher training to the community, and Northwest regional resources for designing programs for gifted students. (TD)

There are 138 accredited external degree programs providing distance learning, correspondence study, and equivalency testing to lead to academic degrees. Program enrollment has expanded in recent years. The nontraditional students, often minority working adults, are highly motivated. Advancing technology has improved opportunities, but many programs aim to provide education without relying on student access to computers. (MSE)

The "disappearance" of civic America and atrophy of face-to-face associational life have become major social concerns. Meanwhile, governmental systems are decentralizing, and education remains very political. Striving to reinvigorate civic education for youth is not enough. Educators must further democratize education by involving citizens in meaningful deliberation (via public forums) about public schools' purposes and goals. (MLH)

Four formal outdoor education programs in Newfoundland and Labrador are briefly described: Brother Brennan Environmental Education Centre, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Sir Wilfred Grenfell College, and College of the North Atlantic. Cooperation among these formal environmental and outdoor recreation programs, informal community outdoor recreation programs, and private-sector ecotourism businesses is needed to assure future environmental protection. (SAS)

Risk communication is a methodology recommended for rural special education professionals who communicate with parents and teachers. Using rural special education examples, the steps of risk-based decision making are described: hazard identification, hazard assessment, risk assessment, risk management, risk analysis, and risk communication. Relevant psychological, socioeconomic, and cultural factors are explored. Contains 36 references and recommendations for effective communication. (SAS)

Argues that consumers of electronic higher education services need to be better informed in to become the quality-control agents in the massive shifts in the way higher education services are being provided. Notes that changes in institutional structures will affect traditional scheduling, recordkeeping, and quality-control systems. Discusses quality assurance program at Western Governors University. (CH)

Describes POET (Principles of Educating Teachers), an ongoing statewide effort to improve the quality of Georgia's preservice teacher education in middle school mathematics and science. Explores POET's goals, foundations, processes, and activities and notes what POET staff have learned about statewide teacher education reform. (SM)

Traces the national reform movement in teacher education. making connections between elements of that reform and statewide reform in Maryland. Components in the Holmes Group, Carnegie Commission, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and National Board for Professional Teaching Standards are compared and contrasted to the components of Maryland's Redesign of Teacher Education. (SM)

Examines multiple perspectives on current classroom practice in global education, including those of master teachers, practicing teachers, and preservice teachers. Notes some commonalities and differences of theories and practice across the three groups. Argues that the theories and practices of teachers can and should inform conceptual scholarship on global education. (DSK)

Examined the effectiveness of a partnership program in arts teacher education with students who had obtained teaching experience in school setting within one year of graduation. Indicates that engaging in classroom-based activities in an on-campus program with expert practitioners increased students confidence and willingness to teach the arts in their classrooms. (DSK)