Since 1990, a long-term study has been following the implementation of the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA) in 21 schools in 4 rural school districts. This publication summarizes study findings through 1995. Findings across KERA strands suggest that reform would have been unlikely without KERA's extra funding, used to increase teacher…

A collection of essays on English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) and bilingual education focuses on issues in making curricula meaningful for teachers and students. Articles include: "Critical Mediation: When Teachers and Students Connect in the 'Ecliptic Zone'" (Irma N. Guadarrama); "Reflecting on Ideological Baggage: Latino Pre-service Teachers and…

This study examined the quality of verbal exchanges between teachers and children in 4 primary classrooms and the 4-year-old groups in 4 child care centers in Australia. Data were collected during small group activities for a minimum of 4 hours. Interactions were audiotaped, transcribed, and divided into messages which are equivalent to clauses…

This journal consists of selected refereed papers from the third Annual Conference of the Australian Research in Early Childhood Education (1995). Contained in the publication are the following articles: (1) "Longitudinal Studies--Are They Worth It?" (Judith Cowley); (2) "Scripts for Learning: Reflecting Dynamics of Classroom Life" (Joy Cullen,…

Presents a laboratory exercise that uses a simple imaging technique to illustrate the profound effects that living roots exert on the pH of the surrounding soil environment. Achieves visually stimulating results that can be used to reinforce lectures on rhizosphere pH, nutrient availability, plant tolerance of soil acidity, microbial activity, and…

Describes the curriculum, philosophic perspectives, and student products related to teaching Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and landscape planning by examining a college course in the GIS and landscape instructional area taught at the University of Michigan. (JRH)

Describes the use of cartoons in presenting a historical perspective of soil microbiology that makes this information more entertaining to introductory students. Presents basic historical facts and major accomplishments of the pioneering soil microbiologists in a factual but tongue-in-cheek survey. (Author/JRH)

Presents mind-mapping and role-playing exercises designed to guide students in the exploration, expression, and integration of varying viewpoints and opinions of a controversial topic (nitrate contamination of water supply); illustrate the importance of applying soil fertility principles to environmental and agronomic management; and encourage…

Surveyed 120 loggers who attended a 3-day educational program on first aid and adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation, forest ecology and silviculture, woods safety, and small business management. Results indicate that the training was worthwhile to the participants and they would be willing to attend additional training. (JRH)

Presents the details and evaluation of a laboratory exercise that introduces professional and agricultural ethics into a course on sustainable agriculture. Concludes that including material on ethics in existing courses appears to be an effective way to increase the ethical content of a curriculum and emphasizes ethical decision making as an…

Describes a course designed to teach agricultural students the skills needed to be successful future researchers. The three models of the course include development of a research proposal; research presentations; and research perspectives, including issues of perception, prejudice, and fraud as related to scientific research. (JRH)

Describes changes in the agricultural education curriculum at the University of British Columbia that were designed to provide students with a comprehensive curriculum that is sufficiently broadly based for evolving careers in agricultural sciences while also being adequately founded in basic science for students pursuing graduate studies. (JRH)

Analyzes course requirements to determine the amount of required mathematics and science for production-oriented agronomy majors. Reports that mathematics requirements center around college algebra and statistics; science requirements generally include chemistry, biology, plant physiology, and genetics; and land-grant institutions have a…

Explores the myths and realities of university teaching that impede change and offers examples of teaching faculty working together, including the case method, problem-based learning, and interdisciplinary courses. Concludes that when teaching has collegial exchange and review, it becomes possible to develop a curriculum that enhances students'…

Presents suggestions for developing successful summer research apprenticeship programs for high school students based on the personal experiences of the authors, conversations with apprentices, and a library literature review. Discusses the importance of this experience for giving the apprentice insight into the careers and the lives of…