Education & Pedagogy

Asserts that the visual arts can play a unique role in reshaping education to address cultural diversity. Contends that models of multicultural education offer many alternatives for teachers. Concludes that continual inservice training is necessary to respond to constantly changing school populations. (CFR)

Describes a study of a collaborative project in which science education faculty and upper elementary school teachers investigated the potential of a project based, technology rich, environmentally oriented approach to science education in an urban school. Discusses research methods and teacher responses to the computers and/or telecommunications project. (ZWH)

Comparisons of data for Italy and other European countries show that Italy has lower educational attainment for the 25-64 age group, shorter length of compulsory schooling, and less inservice training for employed adults. The Centre for the Study of Social Investment in Italy identified needs for functional literacy, supplementary and vocational training, and career guidance and specialization. (KS)

Demonstrates the presence of a minority group elite in the contemporary bilingual education movement. The bilingual education program elite insists that students of limited English proficiency be taught exclusively in bilingual education programs and only by certified bilingual teachers even though bilingual education has not been demonstrated to be successful. (SLD)

The attached schools of national universities in Japan are comparable to U.S. laboratory schools. This article discusses the history of attached schools, their present condition, and restructuring the role of these schools to make them clinical schools, compatible with overall reform of clinical education for beginning teachers. (IAH)

Like medieval war games of dialectical argument, today's education model is based on idea of competition, a scholastic sorting process aimed at fixing every child's place in life. So long as access to higher education rests on standardized test scores and/or high school grades in conventional subjects, higher education institutions will subject lower schools to disconnected, decontextualized educational mission. (MLH)

Recommends implementing specialized preparation for rural preschool teachers to function effectively as distance educators. Addresses differences between urban and rural environments affecting education; the important role of parents as educators in distance education; and the need for distance education preschool teachers to reconceptualize their role as one of facilitator and communicator. (LP)

Reviews the debate concerning the impact of Afrocentric education and multicultural education on U.S. history instruction and course content. Responds to criticisms of Afrocentric education by historians Diane Ravitch and Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. Contends that multicultural education can help recognize divisions in U.S. society and show a commitment to bridge them. (CFR)

Presents results of a survey to science education tutors in university departments of education in the United Kingdom (43 responses). Among the conclusions was the most frequent strategy for raising issues of race, and science teaching appears through analysis of texts for bias or stereotyping and through discussion of the nature of science. (PR)

Attempts to update chronology of events in noncompulsory upper secondary education in Australia since 1987. Identifies key differences among trajectories for Australia's conservative, progressive, and "common culture" states and territories as they deal with increased demand for higher level of schooling. Highlights some underlying issues including relationships among upper secondary education, technical and further education (TAFE), and higher education. (DK)

Presents guidelines for integrating population education (PE) into primary education and literacy programmes in the Asia and the Pacific region in the form of 12 steps. Recommends utilization and distribution methods for PE materials. Identifies issues and problems in the preparation and use of PE materials. (MCO)

Societal forces influencing special education today include expectations of programs for exceptional children, the consequence of fear of being accused of ethnic or social discrimination in placing students in special education, special education as an entry to services, the philosophy of full inclusion, and issues of power and influence in integrating special and general education. (JDD)

This article identifies factors which hinder people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds from achieving careers in special education and related services, including demographic, institutional, and cultural factors. It reviews training trends and successful programs which foster a more pluralistic outlook on teacher education and services to children. (DB)

Teacher education must produce teachers who can ensure that schooling generates future good citizens. The paper examines regional and national reform, the civic foundations of education, and the need for dedicated, well-trained people to enter public service committed to public good. A description of CIVITAS, a citizenship project, is included. (SM)

Presents a World Bank policy paper on vocational and technical education and training. Reviews the performance of vocational and technical education in both developed and developing nations. Provides four recommendations for donors who might wish to assist countries in meeting skill needs. (CFR)