Criticizes the national curriculum in England and Wales for not giving elementary-school teachers the freedom to explore relationships between subjects, especially as they relate to scientific and technological literacy. Argues that teacher education in science and technology and teacher input into curriculum development must also be improved.…

Identifies constraints and opportunities provided by a British model of mentoring that involves inducting student teachers into a nationally prescribed but locally created community of practice. Considers how increased attention to student teachers' intentional and metacognitive learning may benefit mentors and schools and provide a counterweight…

Compares standards in primary school mathematics in England and Cyprus, drawing upon national curricula, textbook content, and international comparisons of attainment. Finds that "expected" and planned standards were higher in Cyprus than England but were not associated with higher student achievement. Explores four possible…

Considers some of the ways in which Information and Communications Technology (ICT) can support teaching for understanding in primary (elementary) schools. Previous research and research in progress about ICT training for teachers suggest that there are clear possibilities for improving learners' understanding using ICT. Identifies some barriers…

Considers what research has revealed about the development of understanding by young children. Discusses what the "Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage" of the national curriculum of the United Kingdom has to say in terms of that research. The published guidance makes it quite clear that the early years curriculum differs from…

Interviews with 48 British elementary teachers and assessment coordinators about level descriptions to evaluate students (summary statements of performance on the National Curriculum) found that communities of assessment practice have developed within schools but not more widely. Factors inhibiting growth include lesser status of teacher…

Evidence from several media illustrates the ways children attempt to fit their observations into their own, known constructs. The contrast is drawn between adult concepts and children's misconceptions and the argument made that children would have more control over their learning with a "bottom-up" approach to teaching rather than the…

As readers of this journal will know, 2010 will see all KS2 (ages 7-11) pupils in England entitled to learn a modern foreign language in normal curriculum time. This development of the commitment to primary language learning should provide an excellent opportunity and experience for pupils, while at the same time requiring some radical changes for…

Between 1991 and 1995, the Scottish Office Education and Industry Department funded a national evaluation of the implementation of the 5-14 Development Programme based on information gathered from both primary and secondary schools. This interchange is concerned with the primary school perspective alone. Data were gathered from a questionnaire of…

The 5-14 Development Programme is a major reform encompassing curriculum, assessment, national testing, and reporting for pupils 5- to 14-years-old in Scotland. Implementation of the program was first monitored between March 1991 and March 1995; this study continued the program evaluation in primary schools from March 1995 to March 1997. Data were…

A recently completed landmark study of mathematics and science education in more than 40 countries gathered information that can help address questions as to why students in one country do better in math and science than students in another. This report focuses on the results of the primary school science test of students in 26 countries, from the…

The rapid introduction of Britain's National Curriculum for Mathematics and its effects upon classroom practice is the main thrust of this book. Chapter titles are: (1) "National Curriculum Implications for Teaching and Learning Mathematics"; (2) "Starting Points for Using and Applying Mathematics: Maths Trails"; (3)…

England's National Literacy Strategy is intended to raise standards of literacy for every student. Teachers should aim to include each student in the Literacy Hour. Evidence from the National Literacy Project (NLP), on which the national strategy is based, shows that students with widely varying needs can expect to improve their literacy skills in…

A study provides a deeper understanding of teaching elementary mathematics in France. France performed creditably in mathematics on both the Second International Mathematics Study (SIMS) and the Third International Math and Science Study (TIMSS). In analyzing the French approach to teaching elementary mathematics, three theoretical frames are…

Presents a rationale for increasing the role of drug education in the science curriculum in Great Britain. Describes a draw-and-write technique that can be used to assess children's ideas about drugs. The technique is used with children ages 7 through 11. (DDR)