Innovation and Experiment in Education.

Overview & Synopsis

The Panel on Educational Research and Development was formed in 1961 to identify research and development programs which might benefit the wide range of educational activities conducted by various Federal agencies. This report summarizes the Panel's proceedings through 1964. Its thesis is that the efficacy of the entire educational establishment can be increased by disseminating the results of worthwhile innovation. To date the Panel's activities have largely concerned elementary and secondary education and the education of teachers. Included are reports on seminars held for eminent educators on such subjects as learning about learning, music education, non-graded schools, and education for the deprived and segregated. The development of a new physics course at MIT is discussed in more detail as an example of curricular innovation. Developing whole experimental school systems is also considered as a possible reform. (RB)