The concept of "modern education" is directly connected with Rousseau's theory of education. It is often said that Rousseau "founded" modern education, or at least was its most influential predecessor. The paper argues that "modern learning" or "experimental education" was discussed within the late-17th century "quarrel of the ancients and…

Provides an analysis of the aims, structure, and content of the prevocational curriculum in Great Britain. Devotes particular attention to the issue of whether the spread of the prevocational curriculum is related to higher unemployment. (JDH)

Based on a model of local curriculum development, but incorporating the ideas first expressed by Goodlad in establishing a league of co-operating schools for the improvement of learning, this curriculum development project successfully infused the study of technology into the science courses of several British secondary schools. (RM)

Discusses whether teachers possess skill, training, contacts, time and desire to play the role prescribed in a new curriculum. The policymakers' expectation of teachers regarding curriculum adjustment to local conditions (the classroom, school, and community) is explored. (KC)

Analyzes how the discourse of vocationalism and economic rationalism has created a shift in curriculum focus from the educational progressivism of the 1970s to the economic instrumentalism of the 1980s in Australia. Critiques the vocationalist argument and addresses weaknesses in their position. Delineates adverse educational consequences of this…

Evaluates the Early Literacy Inservice Course (ELIC) supported by the Australian Basic Learning in Primary Schools (BLIPS) program. Assesses ELIC and identifies a number of general issues about literacy programs. Focuses on improving standards of literacy and teacher quality through inservice activities. (KO)

Reviews theories regarding school knowledge, cognitive processes, and curriculum development. Contends that students are not taught theoretical concepts because of a misapplication of Piagetian Theory. Concludes that students should be encouraged to explore several perspectives of reality to understand knowledge and thinking. (CFR)

Focuses on differentiation in the British upper-secondary curriculum as a means of determining "who gets what, where, and under whose control." Argues that selection by differentiation is becoming more entrenched in upper and lower-secondary education and that it has met little effective opposition. (GEA)

Studies the curriculum changes in Finnish compulsory education between 1881-1985, specifically examining the distribution of subjects throughout the curriculum. Argues that state intentions establish an ideal, but have failed to change school practices and the hidden curriculum. (GEA)

Examines the demise of the Icelandic Social Science Curriculum Project (SSCP) as an example of progressive educational reform thwarted by neofundamentalist ideologies. States that the paper goes beyond Jerome Bruner's 1984 account of the rise and fall of "Man: A Course of Study" to provide a deeper analysis of the politics of…

Curiculum deliberation involves weighing and examining the reasons for and against a curriculum and giving careful consideration and mature reflection to choices. It also often involves considered action by a group of persons. The predominant forms of discourse--persuasive, theoretical, and descriptive--used to codify curriculum deliberations are…

A quality science curriculum should emphasize science in a social setting, include practical applications, stress local relevance, utilize the many dimensions of science in learning activities and teaching methods, and focus on the resolution of problems and issues while de-emphasizing the solution of text and teacher-made problems. (RM)

Factors which affect communication with teachers via curriculum guides include how authors and readers conceptualize educational practice and teaching and audience characteristics. Although each of the predominant forms of discourse (persuasive, descriptive, theoretical) used to communicate practice prescriptions for teachers is flawed, the three…

Examines the recent influences on and development of upper-secondary Australian education. These influences include youth unemployment, rapid technological and social change, immigration, increasing federal role, and limited entry to tertiary education. Changes include broader curriculum planning to include all students, and improvement of the…

Argues that Australian inservice education policies have unintentionally controlled and deskilled teachers. Focuses on Queensland, Australia, from 1973 to 1986. Claims teacher managerial skills are emphasized over curricular and instructional skills. Contends that teachers' professional development consequently suffers. Premises arguments on…