Technology education in Taiwan, presently called living technology (LT), is a new area that has evolved from handicraft, industrial arts, and other areas. LT is offered mainly at the secondary school level, although it is required for all students in grades 1-11. In response to calls for curriculum reform, the present elementary and junior high…

"Secondary school counselors are professional educators with a mental health perspective who understand and respond to the challenges presented by today's diverse student population" ("Why secondary school counselors?"). As times have changed, so has the role of the school counselor. In the early part of the 20th century when the country was…

Discusses how the National Curriculum in England affects teachers and students. Notes that while standards have risen, many teachers are concerned that teaching is being limited to ensuring students' performance in a narrow range of capabilities. Maintains that the focus should be on teaching children how to think. (KB)

Describes a simulation called, "Classroom City," used by elementary students to learn about communities. Focuses on the students' own simulated city named Bat Town, U.S.A. Discusses the project in detail. Describes the activities children participated in and the roles they assumed during the simulation. (CMK)

Discusses why students who play musical instruments should participate in a chamber music ensemble. Provides rationale for using small ensembles in the high school band curriculum. Focuses on the topic of scheduling, illustrating how to insert small ensembles into the lesson schedule, and how to set up a new schedule. (CMK)

Reports on a study that examines how well middle school programs support the attainment of key scientific ideas specified in the national science standards. Identifies the typical strengths and weaknesses of these programs using research-based criteria. (Contains 88 references.) (DDR)

Focuses on the importance of creative thinking in music education. Addresses three factors that support creativity in music: (1) the availability of resources for teachers, (2) the growth of information related to understanding creative thinking, and (3) the role of technology. Introduces this issue of the "Music Educators Journal." (CMK)

Details the history and politics of educational standards in American educational institutions. Outlines key features of various standards projects. (HB)

Discusses three recent attempts to establish national science-education standards: "Project 2061: Science for All Americans"; the National Research Council's national standards for curriculum, teaching, and assessment; and the Goals 2000: Educate America Act. Suggests that such reform movements could provide useful direction to local…

Provides an overview of informal elementary science-education programs in the United States, and features a detailed description of the Hands on Science Outreach program. Presents insights for informal elementary science-education programs trying to maintain their unique niche while conforming to the new national standards in science education.…

Looks at what has been happening to the notion of being a "good" English teacher during a period when increasingly this has become a political and professional issue in England. Outlines the pattern of change for English teachers in England, including positive and negative outcomes of the last few years. Indicates what might be learned…

Presents an activity in which students construct models to explain glacial action. Describes the models, which recreate specific glacial processes, and discusses 11 glacial actions. Students examine the economic implications of glaciation and use maps to identify the locations and effects of glaciers. (CMK)

Explains that by studying the music of Clara Schumann, music classes can learn about some of the musical forms, styles, and techniques of the Romantic period. Considers teaching strategies centered around Clara Schumann's "Variations on a Theme of Robert Schumann" and provides background information on her life. (CMK)

Describes benefits of and challenges to achieving the national standards for physical education by using the Spectrum reciprocal style of teaching, discussing how it can be linked to all seven of the national standards for physical education and how all three of the learning domains (psychomotor, cognitive, and social) have some connection, with…

Presents brief essays by teachers of English in Australian primary and secondary schools in a bid to convey images of accomplished teaching. Introduction by Brenton Doecke, includes "Negotiating the Curriculum" (Lynne Collidge); "Year 7 Autobiographies" (Chris Melican); "Taking Ownership" (Cheryl Lawson);…