In this commentary on Interest-Driven Creator (IDC) theory, the authors reflect on the proposed three-step cycles of (i) sparking students' interest, (ii) fostering individual creativity, and (iii) inculcating lifelong learning habits. Each component of IDC theory pulls together a wide span of prior research and emphasizes active roles for…

The authors argue that attempts to establish more placements to meet the growing demands of undergraduate medical students in North America for international experiences may be outweighing critical reflection on the ethical issues, curricular content, and pedagogical strategies necessary to support equitable engagements with countries of the…

The author argues for English schools to develop a common five-year secondary curriculum for all their pupils, insisting that, under the current "optional" system, pupil freedom of program choice is in fact illusory, especially for lower ability students. (Editor/SJL)

The push for academic electives has grown over the years for many reasons. The pressure for high test scores has forced schools to focus on literacy and core content areas. The competition for entrance to four-year universities has grown, too. However, in the race to improve academic offerings and raise test scores, some schools have neglected to…

Reviewing the history of the development of comprehensive high schools, the author reflects on an appropriate role for vocational education in the comprehensive high school and the necessity for overcoming the vocational stigma. (SK)

Physical educators have been over-attentive to the technical and professional prerequisites perceived as necessary for a first job or graduate school. Yet, all students need a sound liberal education if they are going to be contributing members of a society and live rich, productive, and rewarding lives. (MT)

The author speculates that technology education could cease to exist as an elective subject at the secondary level. He outlines a multifaceted, proactive strategy to assure that the subject continues as a viable offering in the secondary school curriculum. (CH)

Describes why college English teachers should consider offering a literature elective in mystery fiction. Argues that mysteries are growing in popularity and in academic respectability. Provides methods and activities for use in courses designed around mystery literature. (HB)

Offers a defense of teaching science fiction as an elective in the high-school English curriculum. (RL)

More than just learning to draw, art education is complementary to other areas of the curriculum. (Author/JM)

Details the curricular reforms of the post-Sputnik era in American high schools, especially the national stampede to an elective curriculum in English instruction. Covers criticism of the movement and the profession's struggle to define English studies. Provides pros and cons of an elective curriculum. (HB)

Natasha is a nursing student with a 4.0 grade point average, a first-generation East Indian American, and the first woman in her family to go to college. Lugging a twenty-five-pound book bag of texts that cause her slight frame to slump forward under the weight, she carries a far heavier burden of familial expectation and pride. She has expressed…

Mortimer Adler discusses his "Paideia Proposal" for school reform, which recommends eliminating most elective courses while developing students' intellectual skills, improving their understanding of ideas and values, and introducing them to the world of work in the last two years of high school. (RW)

The author urges school boards to respond to retrenchment by cutting back on all school activities except those necessary to providing a sound, basic education. He presents the Council for Basic Education's definition of this concept. Condensed from "Basic Education", March 1981, p3-5. (Editor/SJL)

If white-collar workers are to complete office tasks efficiently, they must know procedures and techniques that have been offered in office procedures courses. Courses must be designed as electives for secondary students who are not planning to be office workers. (JOW)