Research on gender differences in classroom interaction patterns is reviewed. The analysis of 24 Year 8 science lessons in Brisbane, Australia, indicates that the interaction patterns of girls are not significantly different from those of boys. Suggestions for future classroom interaction research based on more complex perspectives are proposed.…

The author discusses a model of analysis that was developed in the process of examining curriculum responses to the presence of ethnic minority students. The model is related to the notions of (1) educational ideologies and (2) ideological competition between groups. The model is discussed in relation to general curriculum literature and to…

The study illustrates how one group of teachers is adapting to a new role moving from a traditional remedial approach for special needs students based on withdrawal teaching toward a system providing more support for teachers in ordinary classes through advice and consultancy. The author explores how these teachers define their role. (Author/CH)

Three groups of 50 adolescents each (those employed since school, those involved in Youth Opportunities Programs YOP!, and those unemployed since school) were administered the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire, the Rosenberg Depression Scale, and two self-esteem inventories. The unemployed youth had lower self-esteem, more psychosomatic…

Self-identity dimensions of 22 adolescent school refusers (non-attendees whose parents are aware of the situation) and 45 disruptive truants are described and compared. The way these absentees perceive parents and teachers and how they feel these individuals report to others are shown to be important factors in the management of school…

Sixty-six teachers in Aberdeen (Scotland) primary schools were interviewed regarding the use of group methods in mathematics instruction. Ten teachers emphasized whole class teaching; eight appeared to prefer individual monitoring, and 48 used a range of differentiation policies to meet the needs of children in mixed ability classes. (SK)

The legibility components (letter formation, spacing, alignment, and size) and speed of handwriting were assessed for 575 children in grades three to seven. In general, interrater and test-retest reliabilities were higher for older children. Girls wrote significantly faster and smaller and made fewer errors in letter formation than boys. (SK)

Fourteen year olds were introduced to a process model for writing and revising fictional narratives. Drafts were analyzed for evidence that they actively worked on cognitive, stylistic, and affective aspects of their narratives. Eighteen of 32 pupils made extensive or significant changes influenced by the process model. (SK)

Information from nine New Zealand secondary schools about suspension for disruptive behavior in 1980 and 1981 showed that boys and girls were suspended with similar frequency, though for different reasons. Further study showed that suspended pupils were in poor health, came from multiply disadvantaged families, and had serious reading problems.…

The effects of the highly structured Distar language program and the semistructured Schiach program were compared on two groups of socially disadvantaged children in a day nursery. (Both programs attempt to assist young, learning-delayed children.) There were no major statistically significant differences between the two groups. (SK)

Values of 16- and 18-year olds were examined by a questionnaire developed from essays written by 250 secondary students on life in the year 2000 and hopes for the future. Results showed them to be pessimistic and not very materialistic. Technological society seemed to be rejected by many, particularly girls. (SK)

Introduces developments in political education in Britain in the 1970s and 1980s. Suggests that there are different ideologies of political education that are reflected in political party differences. Argues that schools should move from partisan political socialization to a more open form of political education. (JOW)

Demonstrates the problems of attempting to lay down hard and fast rules for teaching controversial issues. Teachers must consider the circumstances of each classroom, the specific constraints operating in each school, and the knowledge, values, and experiences that students already have. (JOW)

Young children are capable of fairly sophisticated political concepts. If teachers were more aware of possibilities for early political education and had confidence in their ability to handle such areas, there would be scope for developing curriculum including elements of political education. (JOW)

Discusses some of the myths surrounding home-based schooling and some of the activities of Education Otherwise. Myths refuted include compulsory education and the illusion that only qualified teachers can educate at home. (JOW)