This article reports the findings of a one-year longitudinal study that investigated the impact of group work on the development of students' critical thinking in Hong Kong secondary schools. It explores whether the participation of teachers in a group-based teaching intervention adapted from an earlier study conducted in the United Kingdom…

The transfer from primary to secondary school in England and Wales is a status passage, from child to teenager. Research on the anxieties and anticipations surrounding that transfer over a 30-year period shows continuities and discontinuities. As well as the contrast of sociological approaches, the perceptions of children in 1977-1978 and…

As a topic of concern to educational researchers, writing is enjoying something of a renaissance, particularly with respect to the transition between secondary and post-secondary levels of schooling. In the context of this renewed interest, this article presents a framework for understanding composition that integrates cognitive, textual and…

The Vygotskian concept of the zone of proximal development has been interpreted in such a way as to provide theoretical support for particular, Government-sponsored, models of both pedagogy and literacy. This article proposes a radically different interpretation of the ZPD, informed by Bakhtinian understandings of heteroglossia. This alternative…

This paper explores factors influencing parents' choices of single-sex or co-educational schools in the independent sector. In doing so, it explores two relatively under-researched aspects of school choice by focusing upon gender and upon the middle classes. The paper draws upon research conducted in three independent schools--a boys' school, a…

There has been a resurgence of interest in global education in the UK as global issues are included within the requirements of citizenship education in national curricula. This paper examines the significance attached to global citizenship through Citizenship as a statutory subject at Key Stages 3 and 4 within the National Curriculum for England.…

Notes that "Curriculum 2000" was heralded as an overdue reform of the post-sixteen curriculum in England. Examines the policy context of the reform before drawing on research findings to address a particular issue of relevance: whether Curriculum 2000 succeeds in its stated aim of increasing breadth of study. (BT)

Examines models of literacy implicit in two recent cross-curricular policy initiatives that concern secondary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) providers and trainee teachers in the United Kingdom. Seeks to explore literacy practices and perceptions of a small volunteer sample of trainees, focusing on punctuation and grammar (drawing on models from…

Explores nature and processes of learning from coursework in national examinations undertaken by 16-year-old students, using qualitative approaches. Finds that, while the practice of underpinning coursework could support deeper, more independent learning, pressures of achieving good grades mediated against all pupils reaching an optimum level of…

Evaluates results from surveying further education college students and the process of their secondary schooling. Postal survey responses from randomly sampled college students (n=109) (Birmingham, England) provide the empirical base. Suggests that South Asian respondents have managed to develop mixed educational identities, encompassing elements…

Reports on a study of Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED) inspection reports for Norfolk (England) state secondary schools. Analyzes the reports and concludes that inconsistencies in inspectors' reporting, particularly of spirituality across the broader curriculum, meant that the mechanisms for assessment and for raising standards were…

Analyzes the complete cohort of published inspection reports of providers of secondary mathematics initial teacher education post-graduate certificate of education courses carried out by the Office for Standards in Education Initial Teacher Education Training team during 1996-1998. Finds considerable variation as to word length, criteria…

Considers how some secondary schools in England have been able to respond to the conflicting demands of school improvement policies, as measured by high academic standards and inclusion of pupils with special educational needs. Presents and discusses key findings from work in secondary schools committed to inclusion. (BT)

Presents a study focusing on underachievement, using group interviews with 13-14 year olds in the second year of Scottish secondary schools. Reports the school experience as social rather than pedagogic. Demonstrates the importance of listening to students and focusing on learning instead of standards of achievement and performance. Includes…

Examines the teaching of the Holocaust in Ontario (Canada) high schools reporting the findings of a survey conducted among history staff in May 1998. Explains that suggestions are made to enable teachers to alter their teaching approach on the Holocaust to strengthen the contribution to anti-racist education. Includes references. (CMK)