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…

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)

Discusses two approaches for teaching labor studies at the elementary secondary levels: elective courses and the infusion of labor topics into existing curricula. Sources of classroom materials are listed. (AM)

Noting that the change to comprehensive secondary schools in Britain has not been accompanied by a rethinking of the former divided curriculum, the author presents a model for a compulsory core curriculum for all secondary students through the fifth year. (SJL)

Instituting a technical writing course for the first time can be difficult. English department members are apt to approach the idea with reluctance and apprehension while those in other departments tend to think of it with idealized ignorance. A public relations effort is necessary; however, such an effort involves information, persuasion, and…

A survey of college freshmen's attitudes toward literature and literature courses indicated the students' latent interests in literature courses, their generally positive attitude toward reading literature, and the possibility of attracting, with certain types of courses, non-English majors to English departments. (RL)

Highlights and criticizes changes in the traditional core curriculum during the 1960s and 1970s. Points to weaknesses in the current "return to basics" trend infiltrating core curricula. Calls for a clearer definition of undergraduate curriculum goals and the adoption of guidelines in order to eliminate the formlessness of the current system. (CAM)

Several major trends in legal curriculum innovation in the last 30 years are considered, and it is suggested that each raises recurring and occasionally elusive problems in legal philosophy. Among the issues addressed are: compulsory and elective courses, "law and..." courses, the case method, the litigation hypothetical method, and law…

Outlining procedures involved in arriving at a newly adopted curriculum for the Oak Park, Illinois, high school of which he is the associate principal in charge of instruction, the author argues the importance of developing a comprehensive vision of educational priorities before considering specific curricular components. (JBM)

The promotion of basic skills need not conflict with present elective systems which seek to create interest and to address student concerns. The solution is not to narrow subject offerings to a "no-frills" level, but to design learning systems which ensure that current offerings cover the basic skills. (SJL)

The history of undergraduate teaching in the United States is discussed in an attempt to determine whether the curriculum is now in a period of crisis. The most crucial ingredient in the excellence of higher education may be the admissions policies and the quality of the faculty teaching available courses. (MLW)

The library's role in modern society is analyzed and implications for library and information science education are stated. Drawing upon recommendations of key professionals, a program is delineated including undergraduate preparation for librarianship and instructional objectives for required professional courses; elective courses are suggested.…

This report describes the process used by Oakland Community College (OCC) to define general education and to identify courses to fulfill general education requirements in accordance with that definition. Following an overview of the curriculum development process, three recommendations are presented. The first defines general education as…

Reveals the dangers of the unchecked proliferation of special interest courses; e.g., overlap of course content with established offerings; ignoring major aspects of a subject in favor of minor aspects and failure to gain a comprehensive understanding; conflicting credit-granting policies; and needless competition with area schools. (AYC)