Argues that the definition of teaching content for imaginative writing in Scotland's national curriculum guidelines is problematic and that the definitions of process and context are not sufficiently coherent to provide a sound basis for planning and teaching story writing. Indicates how the writing criteria applied to national tests of writing…

In 1996, the Scottish Consultative Council on the Curriculum set out principles for effective science education focused on the overall goal of "scientific capability." Five aspects of capability (scientific curiosity, competence, understanding, creativity, and sensitivity) are examined from theoretical and empirical perspectives,…

Compares the Japanese educational system with that in England. Discusses the structure of school levels and examinations, the curriculum, and informal educational practices and cultural expectations. Notes the place of science study in the Japanese system. (Author/WRM)

Criticizes the national curriculum in England and Wales for not giving elementary-school teachers the freedom to explore relationships between subjects, especially as they relate to scientific and technological literacy. Argues that teacher education in science and technology and teacher input into curriculum development must also be improved.…

Focuses on the language situation in Hungary, a largely monolingual country, where nearly 89% of the populations speaks Hungarian as their first language. The primary focus is on the Hungarian language as used by some 10 million people within the national borders of Hungary; less attention is paid to Hungarian as a minority language or the…

Considers what research has revealed about the development of understanding by young children. Discusses what the "Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage" of the national curriculum of the United Kingdom has to say in terms of that research. The published guidance makes it quite clear that the early years curriculum differs from…

This report examines the teaching of history in Scottish primary (elementary) and secondary schools and sets an agenda for further research. The research findings include: (1) Scotland may be the only country in the world, and certainly in Europe, that does not require its youngsters to study its history; (2) the introduction of Modern Studies in…

This paper begins with the following quote from Michel Foucault: "People know what they do; they frequently know why they do what they do; but what they don't know is what what they do does." The context of the paper and the policy directions considered encompass the past decade and take the National Curriculum as an intervention in…

Describes the "Enlightenment program" (often equated with modernity) and postmodernist criticisms of Enlightenment thought. Discusses the notions of Europe and Europeans as reflecting social inclusion/exclusion as much as geography. Examines the relevance of postmodernist theories to school and university knowledge systems, highlighting…

Attentional skills (distractibility, attention span, goal directedness) are crucial in promoting or hindering progression through curricular targets, yet these strands are not included in "5-14" (national curriculum) guidelines. Proposes an additional 5-14 learning outcome with its associated strands and targets to encourage growth of…

Comparison of policy approaches to national curriculum in Britain and Norway found three key differences: (1) subordination of education to economic priorities is more pronounced in Britain; (2) nations have differing views of worker-citizens needed in a high-skill society; and (3) Norwegian teachers have a much stronger voice in education reform.…

Reviews how educational reforms and changes in political viewpoints have influenced gifted education in Britain, ways in which the National Curriculum support the educational experiences of all children, and teachers' perceptions of the role of the National Curriculum in both identifying and providing for gifted students. (CR)

This article draws on postmodern curriculum theories to present a critical analysis of the drastic curriculum changes that took place in China during its Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). It is hoped that a postmodern perspective will shed some light on why the educational reforms failed during this period. The text examines both sides of the…

The use of ability grouping is frequently justified on the grounds that it is an effective means of raising attainment. Little large-scale quantitative research has been undertaken since the introduction of the National Curriculum in England and Wales. The aim of this article is to examine the effects of setting on students' achievement in…

This paper explores the educational background to the rise of interest in "British Studies." The document examines some tensions between arguments for a nationally-based curriculum area and for teaching as an emancipatory activity, considering such issues in the light of recent approaches to research on the curriculum. Finally, the paper considers…