Explores developments in the United Kingdom with regard to the recent endorsement in the national curriculum of the importance of speaking and listening skills (oracy). Observations in six inner-city London schools reflect ambiguities in policy and practice. The results of an oracy policy regarding assessment are still unclear. (SLD)

The British 5-14 Development Programme aims to promote continuity and progression in student learning and experience, particularly during the elementary-to-secondary transition. Staff interviews and data collected in English and mathematics departments of five Scottish secondary schools examined elementary-secondary liaison activities, elementary…

Describes how one group of students undertook a project requiring them to develop assignments and teaching materials for GNVQ science. (DDR)

Discusses elementary teacher education in Brazil, examining problems teacher educators face (e.g., lack of direct communication between theoretical studies and the practical world and lack of inclusion of practical knowledge and expertise developed by successful teachers). Current educational policies are discussed, looking at: implementation of a…

There has been a growing resurgence of interest in creativity in primary schools which has acted as a counterpoint to some of the more reductivist elements of the introduction of the National Curriculum and associated methods of testing. This article reports on a study of one primary school that has had some significant success in enhancing the…

In this article we examine the Israeli Ministry of Education teacher induction program as a paradigm for preservice and in-service induction programs. We stipulate the necessity of creating a bridge between the preservice program and the field, which would allow for collaboration between the pedagogical staff of the teacher preparation programs…

A class of unmotivated inner city secondary school children were introduced to an innovative, new, dedicated physical environment where computers and multimedia software were seamlessly integrated and which was served by a socio constructivist learning pedagogy. In this environment they were taught English as prescribed in the UK national…

Throughout the post-war period there have been many attempts to reform the UK education system, often with an explicit intention to try and make it more productive. The list of education policy reforms that have been attempted over the last 50 years is quite extensive, and recently the UK (and in particular England and Wales) has introduced many…

This report, the result of a workshop on admissions, placement and study abroad in United Kingdom higher education, focuses on areas of significant change in the educational system since 1976. A chapter on study abroad provides an overview of educational change in Britain focusing on the issue of assisting United States students who might want or…

This paper examines the relationship between Korean culture and the historical development of its kindergarten (preschool) curriculum. After reviewing the values that were emphasized in traditional Korean society, focusing on ethics, loyalty and filial piety, propriety, and gender roles, the paper provides examples of how these values influences…

The report of the Cox Working Group on the British national curriculum, "English for Ages 5 to 16," includes recommendations for including in the curriculum the study of literature in English from other cultures. The papers of this collection show some ways in which the recommendations of the Working Group may be put into practice and…

This study evaluated the implementation of the New Zealand Curriculum in primary schools, based on case studies of seven schools. The schools ranged in size from grade 1 up to and including Grade 5, and included schools in rural and urban areas and provincial towns. Data were collected through a series of semi-structured interviews with the…

Great Britain's 1988 Education Reform Act demonstrates the prevailing political climate's commitment to market forces and competition as a means of increasing educational productivity. This paper presents findings of the Primary Assessment Curriculum and Experience (PACE) project, which investigated the effects of the policy change on English…

Teachers in England and Wales are working to implement the targets and programs of study for technology, which was defined in the 1993 National Curriculum as "the creative application of knowledge, skills, and understanding to design and make good quality products." To determine the needs and attitudes of primary-school staff,…

England was 1 of more than 40 countries that took part in the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) survey of 13-year-olds. This paper presents background information on the TIMSS and the performance assessment element of the study. It also describes how the written test and the practical task components relate to the National…