Distinguishes between three traditions of case study in educational research. Discusses the changing nature of comparative education and the value and limitations of the modern case study, as advocated by Lawrence Stenhouse, in educational research. Describes a case study of secondary education in Papua New Guinea. (SB)

This document is one of a series developed by the American Federation of Teachers to help fill a chasm in knowledge regarding world wide educational goals. It is intended that this document serve as a resource to anyone involved in setting or evaluating academic standards for students, whether at the national, state, local or school level. This…

Three studies which examine the academic achievement of secondary students in British comprehensive schools as compared to their achievement in selective schools are critiqued. Research problems found in each of the studies are examined. (RM)

The Second International Mathematics Study conducted by the International Association for the Evalaution of Educational Achievement examined mathematics teaching and its outcomes at the 8th- and 12th-grade levels in the United States and 21 other countries. This article reports on preliminary U.S. findings and their implications. (PGD)

Presented is a comparison of two major surveys of the teaching and learning of mathematics conducted by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement. Surveys indicate that performance levels have declined in computational skills and increased in algebra. (Author/CW)

Three British studies recently compared the examination results of pupils from comprehensive schools with those of selective schools. Each study reached somewhat contrasting conclusions. Major differences among the studies are discussed in order to clarify reasons for the contrasting interpretations and to illustrate the major difficulties in…

Some understanding of biology is needed for the success of individuals in modern societies. This monograph is a report of an assessment of educational achievement by a sample of secondary school biology students in the United States within the context of current knowledge of teaching and learning strategies, the role of biological literacy in…

An analysis of data showed that British students in local education authorities which have retained selection to a greater or lesser extent did not achieve better examination results than students in those authorities which have gone fully comprehensive. (RM)

Argues for a diverse response to the issues and objectives concerning assessment. Highlights a wide variety of assessment procedures from foreign schools, each one relevant to the local culture and educational objectives. Discusses the inherent dangers in overemphasizing, as well as underemphasizing, assessment. (MJP)

Using items from the Second International Study of Mathematics (1984) and the "effective teaching" literature, this study found differences between Tokyo and Hawaii junior high school teachers in terms of background, instructional behavior, teaching load, use of time, emphasis of objectives, and use of calculators. Hawaii teachers spent…

Although British teachers of English, French, physics, and mathematics were somewhat successful in identifying students with high subject-specific ability, inappropriate influences were at work in coloring their judgment. These influences, however, were not so strong as to lead to gross misjudgment. (RM)

Great Britain's changeover to comprehensive schools has been called one of its most significant developments in secondary education. A description and comparison of four studies which evaluated secondary students' academic performance under this comprehensive system shows that there is an overriding need for more and better information concerning…

This comparative study was designed to provide information on some facets of mathematics education programs in Taiwan and the United States. The mathematics curriculum in middle and secondary schools was investigated and compared in order to encourage discussion and possible refinement. A long-range goal for mathematics education, especially for…

Discussed are the assumptions which underpin research studies of the effects of pupil, school, and local education authority characteristics on student achievement in Great Britain. The purpose is to clarify the necessary limitations on knowledge imposed by various research methods and to suggest how these might be improved. (RM)

Compares the pros and cons of the German dual system of vocational education with the British system. Discusses interests that either impede or encourage employers to offer specific or more generalized training. Reveals the divergent preconditions of the two societies that preclude a transfer of Germany's system to Britain. (CFR)