Examines the required and elective geography courses, staffing, textbooks, and methodology used in Dutch secondary school geography instruction. Shows that geography enjoys a high status, that Dutch textbooks tend to apply major geographic themes to a specific regional setting, and that active learning plays a prominent role. (MJP)

Summarizes efforts to inculcate computer literacy in teachers in Macau (Portuguese territory down the coast from Hong Kong scheduled to return to Chinese sovereignty 12/20/99) to prepare for the information era. Topics include course objectives, core studies, optional studies, construction of Web-based learning environments, and multimedia…

Reviews curriculum reform being implemented at the Library School of Stuttgart for students planning to work in public libraries. Components of the new curriculum include core courses in library science, electives in special areas of librarianship, seminars in chosen subject disciplines, and field work in libraries and government agencies. (LRW)

Pharmacy assistant training in Bulgaria involves going to a special institute for a two-year program with five components: general, biomedical, professional, practical experience, and electives. Evaluation is based on quizzes and examinations, followed by successful passing of state examination for practice. There are more assistants than…

A survey of secondary schools in England and Wales indicates that, due largely to sex stereotypes, a minority of male students is likely to study home economics. Among strategies to ensure equal educational opportunity, "special escalator" and "equal outcomes" approaches are more effective than "unlocked door" or…

This order presents regulations on the teacher training requirements for the Danish Folkeskole (municipal primary and lower secondary school). The document is organized into seven chapters. Chapter 1 presents the 4-year program's objectives: to provide preservice teachers with subject-related and pedagogical insights; to train them to cooperate,…

Describes the political machinations resulting in Manitoba's downgrading of Canadian history from a compulsory to an elective subject. Argues that this reflects a broader nationwide educational trend rejecting the humanities in favor of science and technology. Criticizes a view of society dominated by market forces and self-interest. (MJP)

A cornerstone of the author's pedagogy as a teacher educator is to help students analyse how their culture and socialisation influence their role as teachers. In this article she shares the reflections of her Australian students on their culture. As part of their coursework in an elective subject, "Cultural Diversity and Education",…

This guide was written primarily for students in Grade 9 who are planning their high school programs but it also contains information that may be useful to students already in high school. The guide begins with a "Building Your Future" section which serves as an introduction to high school and the planning process that goes along with…

Maintains that geography occupies a prominent position in the Chinese secondary curriculum. Describes the current course content, which includes both physical and human geography. Concludes by discussing barriers to further development, including lack of qualified staff and poor textbooks. (CFR)

A study explored possible reasons why technical and further education (TAFE) students enrolling in vocational education and training (VET) courses in New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia do not complete those courses. Findings were based on these two kinds of evidence: evidence obtained from a statistical investigation of the outcomes…

A five-year longitudinal investigation was undertaken to identify factors influencing secondary school students in their choice of sixth-form courses and possible careers. The influence of intelligence, personality, aspirations, and family were studied. (Author/BW)

A study explored orientations to the study of statistics of 52 second-year psychology students (for whom statistics was required) and 59 arts students (for whom it was elective) at the University of Sydney (Australia). Students reported their reasons for studying statistics, course expectations, and usual approaches to studying mathematics.…

In many countries there remain substantial sex differences in enrolments in elective science courses, despite concerted efforts in recent years to alleviate them. This paper explores the reasons for these differences by comparing models of male and female enrolment intentions in elective courses in biology, chemistry and physics. The models are…

In 1983 Australia experienced unexpected nation-wide increases in enrollment in post-compulsory schooling (Year 11 and Year 12). This study sought to identify factors contributing to this increase, to assess the extent and characteristics of the change, and to examine the motivations and expectations of the students concerned. Patterns of school…