A new national curriculum in all subject areas is about to be introduced in elementary schools in Turkey. The new curriculum is based on a "Constructivist" approach. This discussion paper focuses on the new curriculum for English as a foreign language, noting that teachers need information about the philosophy of the new curriculum and…

In the 1980s Standard Grade curricula replaced Ordinary Grade curricula as the main academic course of study in the last 2 years of compulsory schooling (S3 and S4) in Scotland. This brief report examines the impact of the Standard Grade reform, focusing on changes in inequality of attainment for students from different social origins. It is based…

During the past 100 years, there has been an evolution in publicly funded education in England. This report provides a historical perspective for recent reforms and spotlights three related areas. The first section describes the early 19th-century Newcastle Commission's efforts to design a system of sound and cheap elementary education for…

Examines the sociolinguistic and structuralist traditions of English teaching in Great Britain. Suggests a curriculum systhesizing elements from these two traditions and a progressive/arts tradition. (ARH)

Reviews the legacy of previous educational reforms in special education and discusses the current trends in government policy for special educational needs (SEN). Addresses three possible outcomes of the current policies. States that current policy will not change systems and approaches for special educational needs. Includes references. (CMK)

This article looks at curriculum for students with learning difficulties from a British perspective and urges the replacement of behavioral approaches to the curriculum by a process model which emphasizes personal and social development rather than the National Curriculum. (Author/DB)

The effect of the introduction of the National Curriculum on ecology teaching in England and Wales is assessed. The ecological content of the new curriculum is compared with practicing ecologists' views of what constitutes ecology. (Author)

Contends that school size is an increasingly important factor in discussions concerning school effectiveness. Clarifies the current usage of the term "small secondary school" so that research can be conducted. Concludes that curriculum reform requirements will have an impact on determining effectiveness of education in small secondary…

Outlines an ideal physics curriculum where key ideas are learned using an apprenticeship model. Discusses the implications of a shift towards Internet-based learning. (DDR)

Recent educational reforms in the United Kingdom have had the effect of compartmentalizing children's education into measurable outcomes (usually academic) and of undervaluing its socioemotional aspects. Introduces a symposium presenting different views of the implications of these reforms. Encourages all professionals involved in education to…

Addresses the effectiveness of teaching methods in English primary school classrooms. Evaluates the interventions designed to change primary educators' teaching methods by replicating the Observational Research and Classroom Learning Evaluation (ORACLE) study that was originally conducted in 1976. Compares the results from the original study to…

A biology curriculum that reflects the practice of biologists, based on a clear description of what biologists know and do, would provide some pupils with a basis for future scientific work and all students with basic scientific literacy. Contends that the British National Curriculum contains an inadequate representation of the work of practicing…

Analyzes findings from a study of Cypriot teachers' perceptions of national policy for curriculum reform in primary school, emphasizing mathematics. Responses of 286 teachers, including some beginning teachers, show a coherent view of active pedagogy among Cypriot teachers, with emphasis on practical activities that is not yet apparent in the…

Examined the key constructs of Norway's centrally-based curriculum reform plan, Laerplan 97 (L97), interviewed those responsible for designing the subject related curricula, and administered teacher questionnaires (n=54). Findings show how the journey from policy making to effective classroom practice would benefit from a continuing interface with…

Offers an overview of the revolutionary changes in education in England and Wales during the decade following the Education Reform Act of 1988. Concludes that the changes adopted by the Thatcher and Major governments during this revolution will not be reversed by their Labour successors but built upon for further reform. (CMK)