The author, Deputy Head of Chalk Dell Infant School in Hertford, England, reviews research on the effects of class size and analyzes her own experience with a class of 33 and a class of 23 students. (Editor/SJL)

The author argues for English schools to develop a common five-year secondary curriculum for all their pupils, insisting that, under the current "optional" system, pupil freedom of program choice is in fact illusory, especially for lower ability students. (Editor/SJL)

Reporting on a Schools Council conference at which teachers discussed their experiences of classroom research, the author identifies three major themes: the role of the teacher in research, reasons for involving teachers in research, and the support needed by teachers involved in classroom research. (Editor/SJL)

The author agrees with Clyde Chitty (pp73-76 of this issue) that the current "options" system of English secondary education is inadequate for most pupils, but he rejects the Department of Education and Science's proposed common core curriculum as an inadequate and even potentially harmful alternative. (SJL)

By altering the school schedule, one English school has made room at the end of the day for a special activities period during which eleven to fourteen year olds participate in extracurricular activities, private study, or special elective courses. Pupils' reactions to the scheme are noted. (SJL)

The principal of a purpose-built tertiary college explains its rationale and the opportunities it offers to sixteen to nineteen year olds, whether full-time or part-time working students. (Editor)

The author argues for more democratic and cooperative curriculum planning in English junior schools, involving all teachers in this collective task. (Editor/SJL)

Three intervention schemes for diagnosing management development needs are examined: one for formal management systems, one for management training to accompany such systems, and the third examining different institutional change strategies. The general management development model is derived from research on developing institutions. (MSE)

Examined are the concept and results of collegiality in university governance. Problems are pinpointed that suggest a need for significant changes in the decision-making process. Modifications are proposed that would make university decision making more efficient and effective. (MSE)

Presented is a matrix of institution types and institutional characteristics that can be used in planning for the steady state in colleges and universities. Case studies of six institutions are presented: Harvard University, Boston University, Dartmouth College, Colorado College, University of Massachusetts/Boston, and Massachusetts Community…

A survey of trends in administrative structure in Western Europe examines patterns of authority and decision making at the state, institutional, administrative, and faculty levels, and the interaction of these levels. The roles of state ministries and administrators are described. (MSE)

The financial support system for scientific research in the Netherlands and University of Leiden are described. Methods for funding teaching and research separately are examined, and faculty response to these methods are discussed. The funding changes are intended to link funding more directly to institutional and national science policy. (MSE)

The use of cost indexes is encouraged as a method of controlling cost and aiding planning. The use of analysis of variance is encouraged as a method of controlling cost standards. (MSE)

A growing movement in alternative higher education is one that emphasizes the liberating or empowering potential of education. It is oriented toward individual and social change. Proponents contend that conventional programs, which maintain dominant societal systems, hinder achievement of greater social, political, and economic justices. (MSE)

The learning process and ways in which it can hinder or contribute to intellectual development, the development of "critical consciousness," and social change are reviewed. Questions are raised about the relationship between alternative educational programs and social change. (MSE)