Asserts that the acoustical environment of the classroom is an important variable in the listening and psychoeducational function, both for children with hearing loss and those with normal hearing. Reports the results of a test of a sound amplification system in two primary classes; indicates the benefits of the system. (DSK)

Argues that the erosion of the foundations of enlightenment thought has produced different consequences in first, second, and third world countries. Reviews meanings of postmodernity in Latin America, the modern/postmodern debate in education, views on postmodernism, and what postmodernism offers to and demands from educators. (DSK)

Introduced varied learning style (LS) strategies in five stages to special education and low-achieving general education students, removing them in the final phase. Pre- and posttests of reading achievement in each phase and assessment of students' LS preferences indicated that students with LS preferences benefited from LS accommodations,…

Investigated whether Bloom's taxonomy offers item writers an accurate model for anticipating students' cognitive processes used to solve items on a large-scale mathematics achievement test. Seventh graders thought aloud as they solved problems on the test. Researchers coded their cognitive processes using Bloom's taxonomy. Results suggest that…

Investigated the impact of efforts to prepare average high school students for college admission, examining ethnic differences in academic retracking. A longitudinal evaluation of a school reform effort at four California high schools indicates that specific efforts to retrack general/vocational students into college-preparatory tracks offer…

Investigated the effects of cooperative learning on secondary students' mathematics achievement and attitudes. In one class, students used cooperative-learning groups. In a second class, students studied independently. Results from a student survey and students' chapter test scores indicated that students who used cooperative learning had…

Examined classroom processes in urban elementary schools identified as effective/efficient (E/E) and ineffective/inefficient (I/I), noting differences regarding students' behavior, motivation, and perception of classroom learning environment. Data from observations and student surveys indicated several classroom process differences between E/E and…

Investigated high school students' levels of economic understanding using the Test of Economic Literacy. Students' scores were analyzed and compared to national averages. The subjects students understood best were currency exchange, competition, and types of economic systems. The subjects they understood least were market failures, inflation, and…

Undertakes two exercises: (1) argues that the public sector has been transformed from a Keynsian Welfare State to a Schumpeterian Workfare State, and (2) examines educational researchers' conception of and engagement with social policy. Observes a tension in education policy research between commitments to pursue efficiency and social justice.…

Describes developments in feminist analyses of the role of education in creating "inclusive" democratic citizenship. Outlines four feminist perspectives that offer opportunities to reflect critically on the past and continuing struggle of women for equality, and suggests the complex issues that face programs for citizenship education in the next…

Looks back on research about parental choice carried out ten years ago; explains how this was related to the contemporary policy agenda. Summarizes the main findings and critiques their shortcomings. Reviews policy developments in England and Scotland since then, describes the current policy agenda, and indicates how further research might…

Attempts to understand the implications for education of an apparent paradox of the welfare state: a new culture of education has developed involving both individual autonomy and continuing attachment to public provision of education to ensure that autonomy. Compares England and Scotland to illustrate the complexity of the political debate. (DSK)

Narrates 20 years of gender reform in Australian schools, including boys' education. Discusses the practices and processes of schools' gender reform work, indicating strengths and limitations. Identifies current contexts of gender reform, including the fields of educational policy and politics. Mentions larger cultural shifts affecting gender…

Explores how issues of "race," racism, and ethnicity are positioned within the education reforms reshaping the British schooling system. Exposes the new racist constructions of "the nation" and its "common culture" expressed through the marketization of schooling and willed ignorance about the extent and nature of racism in the system. (DSK)

Examines a number of connecting themes concerning home-school relations. Argues the important developments upon which future analysis should concentrate are those where parents seek to define for themselves new understandings of what constitutes an "appropriate" parental role. Considers potential areas for future research on home-school relations.…