An introductory course in earth science, specifically designed for nonscience majors, is offered at the University of Edinburgh. A background and description of the course are included, and some lessons learned during the development of the course are discussed. The recommended booklist is appended. (JMD)

A basic course in pathology at Rotterdam's Erasmus University includes the study of psychological, sociological, economic, and political factors related to the etiology of somatic disorders. The principles of this approach to humanistic medicine are summarized and a description of the course is given. (Editor/LBH)

Presents an overview of the teaching of plastics at various levels of technological education in the Netherlands focusing on mechanical engineering. Highlights the design process and discusses the Dutch perspective of the role of materials engineering in engineering curricula. (ML)

Discusses the content, advantages, and disadvantages of a syllabus designed to teach English as a second language in a number of primary school classes in South India. The syllabus is based on the assumption that "form is best learned when the learner's attention is on meaning." (SED)

Described is a project that involved undergraduate geography students in developing a model of the accessibility of the pre-school population in Cardiff (England) to child care clinics. Programing skills were acquired through spatial modelling. Networks of mini- and micro-computers were used. (Author/RM)

A K-12 visual arts program in Ontario, Canada, which used observational drawing to increase students' visual observation skills is described. Students had to observe and draw objects associated with intimate use, objects that were physically more distant and unfamiliar, and objects in the rural countryside. (RM)

A postgraduate training and education course for physicians proved welcome and acceptable to the participants and provided valuable experience for the organizers. The scientific content and information from the course have been incorporated into a postgraduate diploma course in pharmaceutical medicine. (Author/LBH)

"Los Arboles Hablan," a video-based curriculum that promotes the learning of Spanish as a second language through study of the Latin American rain forests is described. The 12-session unit was designed for use at the middle school level and integrates science, social science, and environmental education with content focusing on the…

Papers presented include: (1) CORE science--an exploratory study of pupils' perceptions of their science course; (2) chemistry and science philosophy; (3) taxonomy of scientific words (focusing on language of science, science words, theories of meaning, uses/implications of the taxonomy); and (4) description of experimental studies, a 16+ work…

Describes a sixth-form field course consisting of written materials for students and a teacher's booklet giving necessary techniques, lists of apparatus, and practical hints. The course aims to estimate energy flows in a woodland ecosystem by means of a series of practical sessions involving field/laboratory investigations and calculations.…

Examines the library short course orientation program for support staff, primarily secretaries, administrative assistants and researchers, teaching and laboratory assistants, at the University of Victoria; summarizes course evaluations, and poses suggestions for program improvement. (CWM)

The Associateship Diploma in Education is seen as an important means of promoting and encouraging the use of audiovisual aids in Nigerian primary schools. Objectives of audiovisual instruction, a course outline, and procedures for teaching the course are suggested, and use of aids in primary schools is surveyed. (Author/MLW)

The state of precollege earth science education in Victoria is described. The unit structure and content for the Victoria Certificate of Education in geology is detailed. The relationship between society and technological development is stressed in this curriculum. (CW)

Discusses the London East Anglian Group's General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Economics (Mature) syllabus. Prepared for students over 17 in sixth form schools and higher education, it was designed for centers that required a flexible economics course. Offers ideas on coursework assignments. (GG)

Explains the new format of the University Entrance and Bursary Examinations for New Zealand. Points out that open-ended questions based on field work carry the same weight as those questions referred to as internal assessment. Concludes that these types of questions allow the teacher to cover a greater range of topics. (GG)