All 600 high schools and about one-third of the 1,600 elementary schools in Israel are now using computers. Most installations use one of four highly developed courseware systems. Experiences with these systems (Mashow, Semel, Toam 2, and Tapauch) are described. (JN)

Briefly describes the first Astronomy Olympiad in Israel. Presents an example of deliberately planting errors in a scientific article in order to assess contestants' knowledge and their ability to confront familiar material presented in a nontraditional format. (JRH)

Presents a conceptual framework of second-chance systems analyzable in terms of several basic parameters (targeted population, declared goals, processes, options for students, evaluation criteria, and implications for the regular system). Uses this framework to analyze an Israeli external high school, the subject of a large-scale study. Includes 3…

The author explains that, because of its complex cultural heritage, Israeli folk dance is particularly rich and its movements are an excellent way to teach rhythm and other musical concepts. Included in her article are instructions for two dances, Sapari and Mish'al, and a resources list. (SJL)

Parents' involvement in their children's schooling can be justified on various ideological, psychological, philosophical, and educational grounds. Two dominant attitudes prevail toward parent participation: (1) the authoritarian-paternalistic view featuring a one-way teacher-parent relationship; and (2) the parents-as-equal-partners view. The…

Based on personal experience, suggestions are offered for teaching a new Bagrut subject, Applied Linguistics--Translation, at the secondary level. Classroom practice and research projects are discussed. (LB)

A "Discovery Program" implemented in 1989 to help underprivileged gifted and talented students in Israel advance in their chosen fields is described. The importance of local administration and participation is stressed, as are optimal ratios of underprivileged to privileged youth for maximum benefit to all. (PB)

This paper reports on a program to develop a comprehensive overall strategy of educational research that deals with the state of education in Israel. Four dimensions or sets of demands on the schools are discussed: (1) civilizational demands of transmission of heritage and culture; (2) social demands for good citizenship, productive workers, up to…

The use of word processing in teaching English language classes is discussed as practiced at an Israeli secondary school. General guidelines are outlined, and basic step-by-step illustrated instructions are provided. (LB)

One teacher's experience using computers to teach English to seventh and ninth graders in Jerusalem are reported. Advantages of computer-assisted instruction are noted. (LB)

This paper presents material from interviews with Israeli Jews and Arabs concerning the Intifada (Palestinian uprising to gain freedom from Israeli rule); interviews were conducted during a visit to Israel. The material is offered to teachers interested in teaching about the Arab-Israeli conflict. An analysis of the interviews revealed several…

A mathematics project promoting an exploratory approach to mathematical problems as well as an organization and application of mathematical knowledge is described. (JT)

In the drive toward "democratization of education," the twin goals of diversity and uniformity (like equality and excellence) are considered desirable even though they often conflict with one another. This paper reviews the history of curriculum design, including bilingual and cultural pluralism influences and concludes that both…

Describes an attempt to teach electronics to disadvantaged high school students in Israel through an instructional method based on guided individual learning combined with laboratory experiments. Discusses the successes of the program in terms of academic achievement, self-learning competencies, laboratory skills, and attitudes. (ML)

A lesson in editing was learned from a study of errors made on a national mathematics test in Israel. Analysis indicated that the errors were often caused by careless printing of the test, misleading figures, poor designations, or ambiguous phrasing. (MNS)