Indicates that the basics responsible for successful vocational agricultural programs are (1) supervised occupational experience programs, (2) curriculum design emphasizing problem solving and rational thinking, (3) involvement in Future Farmers of America, and (4) qualified teachers. (JOW)

Schools need more incentives to begin to produce more "thoughtfulness." As it is now they respond by "getting by" because they are only held accountable for minimal levels of achievement. Policymakers need to develop a different system of acccountability. (MD)

Faced with a shrinking labor pool and increasing competition, employers are beginning to take basic workplace skills training into their own hands. Such training involves (1) identifying skills-related job changes or problems; (2) building management and union support; (3) developing a strategy; (4) performing task analysis; (5) designing and…

Science is shown to have unique characteristics that make it a valuable component of a basic education. While stressing the physical world, it can also provide a good model for rational and moral behavior. (JMF)

Presented is an analysis of the back-to-basics movement and four areas of pedagogical concern that are fundamental to both basic education and environmental education: environmental science, inquiry, cognitive development, and bioethical development. (WB)

The author states that there is a need for basic training patterned after the dual-system concept of industrial training. He also states that in order to raise the level of industrialization, stronger linkages must be developed between the different sectors of industry and the engineering and basic metals industry. (CT)

We should not, in the name of "back to basics," regress to the old methodologies of memorization and drill. Computational skills must be thoroughly developed, but mathematics should also be taught in a way that will enhance thinking skills and problem solving in an enjoyable atmosphere. (Author/SJL)

The article suggests abandoning a subject area approach to the rehabilitation of blind persons and proposes a generic approach that would teach transferable problem-solving techniques. Nine possible curriculum components include auditory interpretation of the environment, spatial concepts, tactile identification, and identification of materials.…

Traces the history and philosophy of core skills. Suggests that, although the way they are used in training and vocational education has positively changed the way skills are viewed, the approach is narrow in outlook, especially the General National Vocational Qualifications, and may not serve the best interests of industry or society. (Author/JOW)

This material considers the questions of: 1) What is basic in mathematics? 2) What mathematics do all children need for their lives in a society that depends on technology? and 3) What do pupils need in order to go on and learn the mathematics they will need for access to jobs in business, industry, and careers in the professions? What mathematics…

Although vocational education students can handle technical tasks, they often lack employability skills. The author identifies employability skills, addresses important questions about them, and recommends action for vocational educators to take in teaching employability skills. (JOW)

Using data and analyses gathered from multiple sources, this article discusses how students learn in reading, writing, and mathematics. A section on reading concentrates on methods and materials that motivate, a writing section concentrates on content, and a mathematics section discusses procedures for problem solving. A bibliography is included.…

The goal is to make some suggestions that may be useful to teachers in meeting the mathematics needs of the noncollege-bound student. It is felt teachers can motivate pupils with problems that are relevant and practical. Further, teachers need to approach mathematics from a realistic point of view. (MP)

Advocates elementary math instruction that uses realistic problems or examples and that teaches children to think. Suggests methods for accomplishing these objectives, including the use of mathematical games. (SJL)

Following some years of eclipse by the basics, imparting thinking ability to students is once again emerging as the primary goal of public education. How to teach thinking skills, is, however, subject to question. For example, not only is the domain of the higher order skills broad and imprecisely specified, there is also considerable naivete in…