When asked how much freedom they had in determining course content, elementary and secondary teachers in England responded that they didn't have total freedom, nor were they totally restrained. They felt that this was how things should be. The most important factor influencing curricula is aid provided by external professional groups. (Author/RM)

For primary and secondary schools, the evidence concerning the effects of streaming (grouping by overall ability) and mixed-ability grouping is inconclusive. Many have concluded that there is no difference between the two systems in their effect on academic progress, social adjustment, attitudes toward school, or friendship patterns. (RM)

How a CNAA memo regarding what the aims, objectives, and content of multicultural education should be changed the attitudes and values of education faculty in a British university is discussed. Specific ideas from the memo that were integrated into the B.Ed. degree are examined. (RM)

Research investigating the response of primary school children to active group work showed that the children benefitted from approaching tasks as a group rather than as individuals. In addition, prior friendship within the group was found to positively influence group performance. (RM)

Results showed differences in subject preference between male and female students and between mixed and single-sex schools in England. Perceptions of subject importance also showed some sex differences, but on the whole males and females from both kinds of schools are in broad agreement as to the relative importance of subjects. (Author/RM)

Children's and adolescents' responses to some nonmimetic figures of motion showed that the figures become more effective in indicating direction of motion as age increases; however, at a given age, some are much less effective than others. As indicators of speed, some figures are intrinsically more effective than others. (Author/RM)

The reading accuracy of seven-year-old children was found to be significantly better with the installment rather than the whole method of oral reading. In addition, word complexity, extraversion, and sex interacted in their effects on reading accuracy. The results are discussed in terms of their implication for classroom practice. (Author/RM)

Myths concerning home-based education in England are discussed. These include the myths that schooling is compulsory, that there is one right approach in education, that there is such a thing as professionalism, that local education authorities have the right to access and cooperation, and that there is consensus among home educators. (RM)

Describes an application of a checklist survey used to study teachers' activities in teaching computer studies. Teachers were profiled and then grouped into five distinct teaching styles. Results suggest that in-service training should be directed toward those teaching styles that have the strongest links with the desired objectives. (BSR)

Reports the results of a study of the influence of mnemonic strategies on normal schoolwork. Two history assignments were presented; the first required memorization without guidance while the second supported memorization with mnemonic strategies. Concludes that the second assignment produced better memorization and more enthusiasm. (BSR)

This article reviews: (1) the contextual and non-controversial aspects of the 1869 Endowed Schools Act and its accompanying legislation; (2) the interpretations of these acts by both Brian Smith and R. L. Archer; and (3) the position adopted by the LONDON TIMES in the nineteenth century in relation to this controversial legislation. (BSR)

Describes the controversial Deficit Theory in relation to Mary Mason's position that educational failure and linguistic "handicap" or "deficit" are directly related. Argues that Mason's position reveals a limited understanding of both linguistics to education and the process of sociocultural transmission. Questions the quality of data Mason…

Explores the introduction of grade criteria into the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examination as an effort to make clearer the competency and knowledge levels expected of examination candidates in Great Britain. Concludes by exploring problems with this concept and by calling for further clarification of the purpose for this…

Reviews and evaluates the past ten years of policy development of democratized school government in the United Kingdom. Specifically examines the Taylor Committee of 1975, the Taylor Report of 1977, and subsequent development of policy through 1980, including the proposed 1986 Education Bill and Education Act. (BSR)

Outlines the life and philosophy of noted French child psychologist, Henri Wallon (1879-1962). Reviews the philosophical origins of the Wallonian Approach including the theory of emotions, the development of representational thought, the role of imitation in the formation of representation, and the role of language in the development of thought…