The British National Curriculum suggests that a range of thinking skills need to be taught. But can children be taught to think? This paper takes the view that all thinking is embedded in a particular context. It gives an account of its author/educators' work with children, draws attention to distinctive features of their approach to teaching, and…

The National Literacy and Numeracy Strategies (NLS and NNS) represent a major government initiative to improve classroom practice and pupil learning in literacy and mathematics in primary schools across England. National targets were intended to increase the percentage of 11-year-olds reaching Level 4 in annual assessments for English and…

This leaflet gives guidance on effective practice on organizing literacy and numeracy booster classes for pupils in Year 6 schools in England. The literacy and booster program is designed to provide extra, targeted support to those pupils in Year 6 who, without the benefit of the Literacy Hour and daily mathematics lesson since the beginning of…

These 10 fliers focus on strategies to improve students' writing. The fliers are: (1) Improving Writing (covers general points related to all types of writing); (2) Writing Narrative (covers the main points to writing narrative, helping children to build up a repertoire of different types of narrative); (3) Writing Poetry (covers the main points…

Technology education (TE) in Taiwan is implemented in elementary, junior high, senior high, and comprehensive high schools. Since 2001, the new curriculum syllabus for grades 1-9 reflects the call for educational reform in such areas as articulation, integration, and flexibility of reform. The national curriculum for grades 10-12 is being revised;…

Norway and Sweden have similar histories within the field of early childhood education and similar traditions of state financial support for children. Recently, both countries adopted national preschool plans for children ages 1 to 5 years old. When comparing the two plans, the first noticeable difference is that the Norwegian approach gives…

Discusses changes in the methods of earth science fieldwork brought about by the introduction of the National Curriculum to UK schools. Teachers have traditionally described and interpreted geology for pupils. Teachers now need accessible, safe sites close to schools. The sites must allow pupils to identify problems for themselves and solve them…

Describes a project trying to implement the nationally developed Curriculum Profile for languages in Australia from the vantage point of three teachers. Notes that the objectives of the project included highlighting teacher perceptions of the strengths and weaknesses of the profile, discovering difficulties experienced by teachers in applying the…

Examines the concept of culture from the perspective of language teaching and explores how conversation analysis assists in the teaching of culture in interaction. Argues that one outcome of language teaching should be communicative competence, that the model of language underlying an assessment is crucial, and that the interdependence of language…

Japan's Central Council on Education was established in 1987 and charged with recommending changes in the national curriculum. Expected changes within the next five years include reducing the school week to five days, introducing a program for gifted and talented students, providing more full-time counselors, improving and integrating…

Introducing a British National Curriculum applicable to all students caused a dilemma for many teachers responsible for pupils with learning difficulties. Results of a questionnaire sent to senior teachers in schools for students with moderate learning difficulties in England and Wales show how schools structure the curriculum to enable equal…

Presents a reminiscence of science as an exciting and enjoyable area of the curriculum. Expresses the concern that pressures of the National Curriculum and overload may be forcing teachers into a knowledge-based subject to the detriment of the development of science process skills and attitudes. Makes a plea to get back to the reminiscence of…

Reviews a recommendation that all entrants into English and Welsh primary initial teacher training should possess a science GCSE pass. Identifies potential problems related to recruitment and adequate time allotted for the curriculum. (DDR)

Focuses on the role of play in the reception class by examining the attitudes and perceptions of play in 10 primary schools in England. Reports that there is a clear distinction between the rhetoric and reality of play. Includes references. (CMK)

Provides background information on the 1991 and 1992 Key Stage 1 National Curriculum Assessment evaluations. Investigates whether the outcomes of summer-born children who received seven terms of infant education differ from those receiving nine terms. Reveals that children receiving a longer length of education did not have significantly higher…