Transcripts of undergraduate group discussions uncovered strategies used to explore assumptions: defining, qualifying definitions, eliminating inappropriate meanings, broadening the context, testing generalizations by hypothesis and personal anecdote, challenging generalizations, challenging the original question, challenging the validity of…

Assesses the debate between the process writing/whole language approach to literacy education and genre-based writing instruction. Explains that the former stresses ownership and voice and the latter identifies and linguistically describes the genres used in school and proposes a curriculum model for teaching writing. (SK)

Three issues in the debate over reading are (1) choice of instructional materials; (2) methods of teaching and testing; and (3) national standards for reading. Advocates a rational approach that recognizes limitations of tests to assess reading attainment and uses social dimensions and links with other language modes. (SK)

Effective collaborative in-service teacher education (1) occurs in the school setting; (2) promotes reflection in action; (3) allows teacher ownership; (4) involves pupils and peers in evaluating the quality of the learning environment; and (5) reflects the educational values of the teacher. (SK)

Script analysis was used to identify common scenarios for administrators and teachers, demonstrating that women's undervaluation in educational administration derives partially from the dominance of the type of masculinity that is competitive, overconfident, and status conscious. Gender culture of school administration reflects the struggle for…

The psychological distress reported in a survey of 335 male and 239 female Australian secondary teachers was ameliorated by 2 factors associated with control over the work environment: (1) level of influence and autonomy and (2) perceived level of efficacy and achievement. The effect varied somewhat for males and females. (SK)

Argues against the unity principle of time and space in terms of objectives of the educational system: enhancement of learning, sociability, and autonomy; socialization to the labor force; propagation of social norms; and concept of identity. Suggests that declining impact of these in Western society necessitates new schooling structure that…

Questionnaires returned by 92 of 127 British teacher-researchers and interviews with 12 revealed the following: (1) sharing of findings was hindered by the individualistic culture of teaching; (2) teacher-researchers preferred working within the system to effect change; and (3) the values and processes of teacher research can create a more…

Data from 3 observations of 32 primary and 38 secondary teachers showed no differences in primary teachers' responses to boys and girls but significant differences in secondary teachers' responses--boys received more responses overall, female teachers responded more negatively to boys' social behavior, male teachers more positively to boys'…

Within the framework of liberal democratic values are shared (universal) values and particular cultural values. Social harmony depends on integrating these two sets of values. The role of multicultural education is to stress cultural development rather than cultural maintenance while adhering to principles of inclusion. (SK)

Despite some fears that small schools would have difficulty implementing the British National Curriculum, findings from 50 schools (9 with fewer than 100 students) show that small schools may provide greater opportunities for innovative curriculum and class organization and strong curricular leadership from headmasters who teach. (SK)

Analysis of a sample of 100 pupil scripts from a British Assessment of Performance Unit survey suggests that ability to read and interpret graphical data should not be seen as an independent process skill. Instead, hidden cognitive demands of assessment items require integrated understanding based on a sophisticated procedural model. (SK)

Feminist researchers have demonstrated that reliable knowledge must include that derived from experiences of individuals and groups; autobiographical methods account for this source. However, only some autobiographical methods are sound: confessional, apolitical, and atheoretical ones are less useful than those that include theory and politics.…

Survey responses from 1,024 (of 1,458) secondary teachers in England and Wales showed that the subject of cancer was most often addressed in science or personal and social education. Significant associations appeared between teacher knowledge and involvement in cancer awareness. Lack of knowledge and poor educational resources were primary factors…

Includes "Introduction" (Chitty, Lawn); "Curriculum in New Zealand" (Jesson); "Curriculum Knowledge" (Cornbleth); "Promised Land" (Lima, Afonso); "Defining and Re-defining the Teacher in the Swedish Comprehensive School" (Kallos, Nilsson); "What's Happening to Teachers' Work in Australia?" (Smyth); "Dutch Dilemmas" (Sleegers, Wesselingh); and…