Describes a science department's evaluation of the way teachers use questions in the teaching of science. Explains how the evaluation is organized and discusses what is revealed about the art of asking questions and encouraging students to do the same. (DDR)

Outlines an ideal physics curriculum where key ideas are learned using an apprenticeship model. Discusses the implications of a shift towards Internet-based learning. (DDR)

Recent educational reforms in the United Kingdom have had the effect of compartmentalizing children's education into measurable outcomes (usually academic) and of undervaluing its socioemotional aspects. Introduces a symposium presenting different views of the implications of these reforms. Encourages all professionals involved in education to…

Explains the Core Skills framework which emerged as part of the Higher Still Development Programme in Scotland at the same time as similar developments of Key Skills in the rest of the United Kingdom. Describes the unique aspects of the Scottish program. (WRM)

Examines values and purpose in mathematics education in Scottish schools in light of declining Scottish scores on international and national mathematics assessments and the rhetoric of national policy documents. Argues that policy documents convey an unclear, dual vision of mathematics learning as a carefully structured activity with predetermined…

Argues that the United Kingdom's National Curriculum recommendations regarding data analysis tasks do not explain the specific activities clearly enough to assist teachers in deciding what practices to follow. Presents research that shows that the range of data-analysis tasks that pupils can perform depends on the type of data as well as on the…

Addresses the effectiveness of teaching methods in English primary school classrooms. Evaluates the interventions designed to change primary educators' teaching methods by replicating the Observational Research and Classroom Learning Evaluation (ORACLE) study that was originally conducted in 1976. Compares the results from the original study to…

A biology curriculum that reflects the practice of biologists, based on a clear description of what biologists know and do, would provide some pupils with a basis for future scientific work and all students with basic scientific literacy. Contends that the British National Curriculum contains an inadequate representation of the work of practicing…

Describes the revision of the National Curriculum in England and discusses the potential of the revised curriculum for raising the achievement of ethnic minority students. The curriculum demonstrates a clear commitment to the education of minorities and includes provisions for citizenship and health education. (SLD)

Examines the conflict between progressive educational ideas and the prescriptive patterns of learning now fashionable in Great Britain. Discusses the teacher training document "Initial Teacher Training National Curriculum for Primary English"--its reduction of complex ideas about the English curriculum to the lowest common denominator is…

Analyzes findings from a study of Cypriot teachers' perceptions of national policy for curriculum reform in primary school, emphasizing mathematics. Responses of 286 teachers, including some beginning teachers, show a coherent view of active pedagogy among Cypriot teachers, with emphasis on practical activities that is not yet apparent in the…

Argues that in debates about the value of preschool in the United Kingdom, there has been no clear distinction between the appropriateness of different education and care settings for young children's learning and the effectiveness of different curriculum models. Examines findings on curriculum content and features of teaching and learning.…

Illustrates how the details of a real-life traffic accident may be analyzed with simple physics to prove that evidence can be enough to convict a motorist of a serious offense. (DDR)

Examined the key constructs of Norway's centrally-based curriculum reform plan, Laerplan 97 (L97), interviewed those responsible for designing the subject related curricula, and administered teacher questionnaires (n=54). Findings show how the journey from policy making to effective classroom practice would benefit from a continuing interface with…

Since technological innovation is accelerating, European education should deemphasize preparation for today's technology and concentrate on preparing students to handle whatever changes newer technologies might bring. A shift is needed from information-giving teaching to learning for understanding, lifelong learning, survival skills, and qualities…