As South Africa transitioned from apartheid to democracy, changes in the political landscape, as well as educational agendas and discourse on both a national and international level, shaped successive waves of curriculum reform over a relatively short period of time. Using South Africa as a germane example of how curriculum and pedagogy can…

Traces the introduction, country by country, of science and mathematics into official curricula. Discusses regional factors that fostered or impeded the movement. Observes that this development was roughly simultaneous and that it began long before the establishment of international educational and lending organizations. (DM)

Analyzes interviews with primary school practitioners about the implementation of the English/Welsh National Curriculum. Finds long-term trends are influenced by a conflict between shortage of time and demands of good practices. Discusses changes from child-focused to standard curriculum, from local to standard assessment, and similar issues. (CFR)

Reports on the responses of headteachers and teachers in 570 primary schools in England and Wales to the introduction of the national curriculum in art. Finds that a significant majority of the respondents welcomed the national curriculum. (CFR)

This guide complements the two other social studies documents at the Senior 4 level for the social studies curriculum sequence for schools in Manitoba, Canada. The primary focus of this document is to explore the impact made by significant historical developments, movements, and individuals that shaped and influenced Western Civilization…

Provides an introduction to the German educational theory of didaktik. Didaktik emphasizes critical thinking incorporated into content instruction. Although originally developed in the 19th century, didaktik has enjoyed renewed popularity within the last 10 years. Discusses the history of the theory and its impact on U.S. pedagogy. (MJP)

A distinctive difference between Japanese and most Western education is the breadth of curricular offerings in Japanese schools, which all include academic subjects, moral education, and special activities. Teacher training programs include specially developed courses that address moral education and special activities as well as regular academic…

Discusses the changing role of religion studies in British education as a result of the National Curriculum. Maintains that the interdisciplinary curriculum development has been politicized by the government and the Church of England. (CFR)

Asserts that new government policies must be mediated and implemented through teachers. Maintains that research among some teachers reveals a number of creative adaptations to the English National Curriculum. Describes four aspects of this adaption and argues that they are all related to self-determination. (CFR)

Maintains that previously held beliefs regarding subjects and pedagogy exert a strong influence on how national curriculum documents are interpreted and implemented. Discusses the conflict between various school cultures in England and National Curriculum geography curriculum reforms. Characterizes the various approaches and provides examples of…

Argues that some educators view the integration of children with special needs into regular schools as a fundamental right. Examines British government statistics relating to the education of special needs children and examines the rights of the children and their parents. (CFR)

Criticizes the notion that small British schools are incapable of adjusting to demands for more specialized instruction and other innovations. Although earlier research suggested this, recent data reveals a high degree of confidence and competence ratings among smaller schools. Many schools have adopted curriculum support strategies. (MJP)

Presents a crucial German essay, originally published in 1958, that defined and introduced didaktik to a new generation of educators. In this incarnation, didaktik represents an educational approach that incorporates critical thinking (as defined by Adorno and Habermas) into both content and instruction. Briefly outlines the essentials of didactic…

Considers the various educational philosophies governing geography instruction in Argentina and places them in historical perspective. Contrasts the positivist and historicist approaches and discusses the current curriculum. Includes summaries of proposed changes in the curriculum emphasizing social education. (MJP)

Profiles the current geography curriculum in Australian schools and discusses the policy decisions that resulted in its implementation. Australian geography education features a prominent social education component that emphasizes development, the environment, and other social issues. Includes several tables listing national curriculum goals and…