Education & Pedagogy

Despite China's efforts in recent years to improve teacher education, it is still imbued with problems which must be addressed effectively and immediately before teacher education can meet with China's desire for modernization. The problems are based on the unattractive social and economic status of the teaching profession in China, so the solution is to truly improve teachers' status. (SM)

Addresses past, present, and future issues and trends in beginning reading instruction, tracing the development of a related issue in the context of early-childhood education: developmentally appropriate practice (DAP). Addresses historical changes in reading education and in DAP guidelines, suggesting that reading education and early-childhood education collaborate to strengthen the positive impact on beginning reading education. (SM)

In the early 20th century, the Hertfordshire (England) Local Education Authority had a class-bound perspective on vocational education, whereas two utopian communities within it held that vocational and academic education should be offered equally to all. Despite these differences, a positive relationship developed that briefly benefitted the county's children. (SK)

Notes that gender equity needs to be taught in teacher education programs. Discusses gender-based attitudes, curriculum, classroom climate and harassment, and schools' of education administrative modeling. Points to reform efforts being made to teach gender equity in teacher education programs and the recent development of related materials, coverage by professional publications, and professional meetings devoted to the issue. (LPP)

Discusses professional ethics in teacher education, noting challenges for teacher educators (particularly those in early childhood education). Chronicles the development of the National Association for the Education of Young Children Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment, and describes the Early Childhood Teacher Education Ethics Initiative. (SM)

Examines the effects of British government attempts to make teacher education more school based. Surveys of students at one such program indicated that while it offers great insight into school life, it may sacrifice the development of students' analytical and theoretical understanding of education promoted within higher education-based work. (Author/SM)

Describes a university curriculum integration project for education and noneducation majors that pairs a preservice course in educational foundations with a general education course in sociology. The courses include discipline-specific objectives but are taught using collaborative pedagogy. The centerpiece is an integrative, field-based research project in public schools. (Author/SM)

Comparative education can contribute to democratization by addressing four issues: declining democratic practice and civic participation in the industrialized world, reasons why education does not resolve this problem, impact of economic globalization on education and on democratization, and the urgency for comparative research on cultural diversity and social integration rather than on individual differentiation and political and economic homogenization. (SV)

Reviews a book suggesting that public education built on democratic values guarantees an equal education for students from all social, racial, and cultural groups. The book addresses how issues related to race, politics, and social class have clouded educational improvement efforts in California and describes classroom activities and teaching strategies to promote empathy and understanding among teachers and students. (LP)

Describes early childhood teacher preparation in South Korea, including types of available child care facilities; teacher training programs at two- and four-year colleges; three types of inservice education available (certificate renewal, supervisory, and general knowledge updates); and emerging issues in teacher education (problems with certification, salary and benefits, and directors). (KDFB)

Reprints the 1954 article as a representative example of thinking about art education during the 1950s. Defines the world as an uncertain and challenging place well served by the evaluative and creative-thinking characteristic of art education. Argues for a closer synthesis of studio art and art history courses. (MJP)

Contains part of a paper written in 1980 by a pioneer of environmental education examining the lack of extensive introduction of environmental education into secondary schools. Argues that school administrators and staff must consider the situation and implement environmental education in some form. Offers a widely accepted brief to help them. Existing syllabi of traditional subjects should include appropriate environmental education considerations. (PVD)

Argues that to achieve the desired change in multicultural South African higher education, and to support change in South African society, the system must: integrate academic education and technical training, adopt flexible modes of instruction, facilitate student and faculty mobility, and collaborate nationally and internationally in resource use. Concludes that English must be the sole language of instruction. (MSE)

Based on a sample of 46,599 public school teachers, a study investigated the certification status of both special and general education teachers. Results indicated a chronic annual shortage of about 29,000 fully certified teachers in special education, a level that was almost twice the number in general education. (Author/CR)

Several factors separate teacher education from its traditional place in higher education. Without appropriate responses this separation will accelerate, possibly relocating teacher education to off-campus sites and other providers. This article examines the perceived inability of teacher-education schools to respond to K-12 reforms and related issues (alternative certification, resource constraints, teacher shortages, professional development schools, and external assessment). (SM)