African teachers in general and South Africans in particular face tremendous challenges, several of which are curriculum related. These challenges manifest themselves at various levels and in various areas, that is, from national level to within the classroom. There are various role players who may make a contribution towards overcoming these…

This book sketches a portrait of teaching careers in urban schools. Through focusing on teachers and their problems, the author presents an approach to the study of inner-city schools. First hand experiences of teachers and administrators are included, which are held to be of particular relevance to new teachers: "Socialization: a white teacher…

States that the inescapable fact in the issue of mixed ability teaching is that even in a school where children are streamed (homogeneous grouping) every teacher who works there will still be teaching mixed ability forms. (Author/RK)

An art class for future elementary teachers was asked to select art activities for classroom demonstration. Eighty percent selected how-to-do-it, single shot, fun-therapy, manipulations with short-term success orientations. This emphasis on the superficial and frivolous aspects of art shows the need for reexamining elementary art education…

The writer presents a distillation of observations from her 100-page notebook that reflects what's happening in China's schools. (Editor/RK)

The renowned educational reformer talks about how memorable, "extreme" learning experiences have shaped his views on education; how to create collegial support; the things that have given him satisfaction; his father's influence on him; the irrepressible optimism of teenagers; taking advantage of serendipitous events; and how questioning…

Although research indicates that retention has little educational value for children, the retention process and rate continue to escalate. Retention consequences are devastating and pervasive. The paper discusses decisions regarding retention and notes positive alternatives (e.g., parental involvement, modifications in instructional practices and…

A teacher discusses her transition to a new school and an innovative program based on Foxfire practices. Journal entries reflect the frustrations, self-doubts, and personal growth that resulted from her teaching experience. She attributes her personal growth to reflective journal writing, a core practice of Foxfire. (LP)

Teachers in the southern Maine teachers' network comment on dilemmas they have faced when implementing the Foxfire approach, including realizing their own strengths and weaknesses, achieving a balance between content and process, appropriate teacher intervention, developing student decision-making skills, applicable assessment and evaluation,…

This study investigates an assumption used to legitimate charter school legislation, namely that such schools will reduce regulatory constraint burdening schools and school personnel. Reformers and policymakers have argued that charter schools will increase teacher empowerment and enable teachers to better carry out their education functions.…

Although a substantial literature is devoted to the professional development of teachers, emerging dimensions located around e-facilitation techniques have yet to be documented and their implications understood. This paper is based around a case study of a professional group of highly experienced teachers from the state sector who were undertaking…

The project group "Preparedness for Peace" at the Malmo School of Education in Sweden studies ways of helping children and young people to deal constructively with questions of peace and war. As part of this work, experts with special interest and competence in areas related to peace education are interviewed. This publication explores…

This review of some of the economical and educational dilemmas touching teacher education deals with the meaning of knowledge and the psychological requirements for the development of a knowledge base for teachers. Before teachers can play an innovating and flexible role in education they must first accept their roles themselves. The imbalances of…

This study examined the beliefs of 21 experienced teachers who implemented individual action research projects as part of a graduate degree program in teacher leadership, focusing on the extent to which they believed that action research is a viable mechanism for change. Participants consisted of primary, middle, secondary, postsecondary, and…

Re-examines some of the ideas of the "Writing Across the Curriculum" project from a classroom perspective. (Editor)