A study of fifth and sixth grade public school students in Israel suggests that grades and other norm-referenced methods are less effective than task-involving evaluation methods in enhancing student performance, interest, and motivation. This article consists of two commentaries on the findings, with suggestions for implementing task-involving…

Suggests that not everything in education has to be evaluated in terms of cognitive outcome measures. Describes a computer-mediated communication project that involved sixth-grade students in a private school in Montreal and slightly older students in a mainly Inuit town in the far northern part of Quebec. Discusses the actual benefits of the…

Critically examines methodology used by Vincenzi (1987) in study reporting association between childhood depression and reading ability. Asserts that methodology does not support such a conclusion. Extends examination to the general literature on depression and cognitive impairment and argues that a clear association has yet to be demonstrated.…

Provides a list of picture books suggested for middle school libraries and presents methods of introducing these books in order to assure acceptance by less fluent and reluctant readers. (NH)

Because of student characteristics in the middle years, several types of assessment are needed. The national monitoring system being developed by the Assessment of Performance Unit (APU) may prove a useful assessment framework for individual schools, providing developmental data for program comparisons and student movement between schools. (SJL)

The author proposes methods and content for science instruction in the middle years and comments on teacher qualifications and pupil differences which need consideration. (SJL)

This paper singles out a novel written for children about India, "Chandra" (1995) by Frances Mary Hendry, as a powerful and useful novel to present to today's 11 to 14 year old students. The paper contends that the novel allows students to explore and consider different value systems, challenges them to become aware of prejudice and the…

The author reviews several government reports and other publications for their definitions of core curriculum and comments on particular problems of middle school curriculum: balance and articulation. (SJL)

This unit of study, intended for intermediate grade students, focuses on comparing students from different cultures: Germany and the United States. The unit addresses National Social Studies Standards (NCSS) standards; presents an introduction, such as purpose/rationale; cites a recommended grade level; states objectives; provides a time…

Compared the efficiency of eye-movements of dyslexic children (N=15) while tracking sequential lights. Contrary to Pavlidis (1981) no significant differences were found. In a reply, Pavlidis pointed out methodological differences between the studies. Further comments by the first authors discussed procedures, subject selection, and data analysis.…

Argues for a comprehensive overhaul of the Chinese school system. Specifically criticizes teacher-dominated instruction, emphasis on skills training over creative thinking, outdated and irrelevant materials. Concludes that a lack of consistency and planning in the curriculum will result in a generation inadequately prepared for the future. (MJP)

Judy Harapiak is a teacher who provides her middle years students with many opportunities to respond to stories in different ways, to reflect on their responses, and to link their reading to their own experiences as well as to other areas of the curriculum. She teaches a grade four-five-six class in the Elementary Alternative Education Program…

Open area designs for school buildings were adopted frequently in Australia in the 1970s, often without adequate preparation of the educators who would be using them. A study of the effects of open area designs led to the recognition that school building design warrants more serious attention as a variable in formal education than it has yet…

A historical overview of the development of the British middle school system is presented in this paper, with a focus on the impact of the national curriculum established by the Education Reform Act of 1988. Based on field observation, information is presented on curriculum, the role of head teachers and faculty, parental involvement, and student…

This paper discusses the concept of information literacy as the main framework within which the concept of computer literacy may be defined, describes in detail the design of a complete curriculum in information literacy intended for all students in elementary and junior high schools, and provides an example of this design with a specific learning…