This document provides information relevant to the commission's communication on "Making a European Area of Lifelong Learning a Reality." Section 2 presents a selection of illustrative examples of lifelong learning in practice throughout Europe, grouped under these same priority areas used in the communication itself: valuing learning;…

Describes findings of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), on which eighth-grade U.S. scores were above average in science and below average in mathematics. Concludes that teachers are vital to raising standards by analyzing teaching practices, reforming professional development programs, implementating new teaching…

This paper reviews the literature on student retention at urban colleges and explores notions of student involvement and academic and social integration especially in relation to nontraditional students. It describes some programmatic interventions designed to improve retention. The paper concludes that partnerships with public schools may have a…

Early educational enrichment is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of low achievement, school dropout, and dysfunctional adult behaviors. The article examines major areas related to preschool and school functioning that require consciousness raising and activism during early childhood education, suggesting ways to help sustain children's…

Through a combination of prior coursework, contract learning, credit for experience, standardized tests, and other methods of evaluating prior learning, the Empire State College (New York) allows adults to complete undergraduate degree requirements. The nonresidential institution serves students throughout the state, with faculty in over 40…

Reviews research literature that defines cooperative learning and substantiates many educational benefits to be derived from it. Outlines eight selected cooperative learning methods. Reports that research shows cooperative learning methods improve students' academic achievement, self-esteem, and social skills. Also suggests that cooperative…

Following the introduction of the middle school in the 1960s with its advocacy of a 5-8 or 6-8 grade configuration, no comprehensive statement appeared to crystallize the educational beliefs inherent in this emerging educational reform effort. This paper is not just a revision of the 1982 position statement, but a "re-vision" of middle…

Changes in our world have made it more difficult for children to find protected, exciting places to play and interesting, satisfactory things to play with. This edited volume, resulting from the collaboration of Bank Street College (New York, New York), Erikson Institute (Chicago, Illinois), Pacific Oaks College (Pasadena, California), and…

This monograph examines issues in faculty and departmental collaboration in colleges and universities, focusing on structures and environments that support collaboration and reward productivity and progress toward institutional and disciplinary goals. An introductory chapter outlines four key issues: how colleges and universities can develop a…

This document reviews the activities of a conference on "Disseminating for Tomorrow's Voc Ed." The conference featured tools, techniques, information, examples that can be used to promote good dissemination, use of research, and developmental results. Considerable emphasis at the conference was given to topics and activities related to…

While most training and development/institutional development professionals are familiar with either the world of formal higher education or the world of training in the business/industrial sector, few training and development practitioners are familiar with both. It is necessary to coordinate the efforts between these two spheres in order to…

The paper explores the current state of affairs in social studies teacher education at the elementary and secondary levels. Information is based on analysis of data derived from a survey questionnaire administered to 39 selected social studies teacher educators throughout the country. The monograph is presented in three major sections. Sections I…

Theodore Roosevelt's education is used as a case-study to illustrate how educators' informal messages influence students to stay in their social class. These messages can be transmitted either consciously or unconsciously, through tone of voice, body movement, facial expression, and unspoken expectations or assumptions. As the first social…

This paper addresses three considerations for curriculum change: a definition of curriculum which considers learning environments, a set of premises to assist in curriculum planning, and suggested curricular priorities. The first section discusses various dimensions of curriculum, including expressed, implied, and emergent (described in more…

A variety of responses to lifelong learning issues are contained in these essays by 12 practitioners directly involved in non-traditional educational alternatives. Sheila Gordon and Augusta Souza Kappner analyze the demographics, motivation, and environment of returning adult students. Peter Smith looks at the educator as facilitator rather than…