The impact of decentralization policies on the Polish school system and the emergence of educational alternatives to the state system are examined. The discussion focuses on community schools as a particular case of decentralized educational reform that has roots in the social activist and communitarian traditions of Solidarity, but has also found…

Emphasising the level of the observation of university configurations and the example of academic entrepreneurship, the author analyses the drivers of economic returns of public research in France. Based on the study of national public policy in this field since 1999 and a general survey of the paths of researchers-entrepreneurs, the article…

This article analyses some typical consequences of a specific research policy on experimental research in biology. The policy is conducted by a national funding agency--the Swiss National Science Foundation--through a particular programme, the "National Centres of Competence in Research" which is designed to promote both "scientific excellence"…

Suggests that, although secular education exists, it historically has been influenced by Christian beliefs. Argues that pedagogical theory, as moral, is not prepared for the economic orientation of contemporary culture. Explains that educational theory did not break with religion as the sciences did. Concludes that no pedagogy exists that avoids…

Contends that the growth of secondary education for females in Germany brought conflict between the girls' school teachers and female teachers who were involved in the women's rights movement. Discusses the vocational educational goals of the earlier schools and the liberal arts-professional goals of the newer upper secondary schools. (CFR)

Contends that efforts to achieve sexual equality among boys and girls in Austria have not succeeded. Argues that girls have to adapt to male value patterns and standards. Recommends that teachers and parents work together to eliminate sexual bias, encourage boys and girls to work in cooperative groups, and provide girls with more opportunities for…

Reviews international studies that show that girls have a poorer command of physical concepts than boys. Examines factors that might explain this phenomenon and discusses whether or not boys have different learning styles than girls. Recommends that science course content must be structured to fit girls' skills and interests. (CFR)

Reviews history education in Romania since the end of World War I. Focuses on the the 1970s when much emphasis was placed on a Marxist, nationalist-based approach to history. Reviews changes since 1990 and discusses difficulties in moving toward a more objective concept of historiography and pedogogy. (CFR)

Compares historiography and its relationship to government in the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) before and after German reunification. Acknowledges bias in some West German views of history, and calls for dialog among historical researchers from all viewpoints. (CFR)

Reports on a longitudinal study about social development of approximately 250 German primary school students. Finds that student interaction with peers is the most significant social influence during this period. Describes differences in the ways that boys and girls view social interaction with their classmates. (CFR)

Reports on a study of teacher burnout among 160 Swiss secondary teachers. Finds that teacher-student relationships are the most frequently mentioned reason for burnout, followed by feelings of being trapped in school routine and personal difficulties. Discusses the impact of burnout episodes on a teacher's career. (CFR)

Asserts that the history of education has been an important part of teacher education in Poland since 1700s. Traces the development of educational history within Polish teacher education programs from that time period to the present. Presents the courses included in current Polish teacher education programs. (CFR)

Discusses the democratic learning approach to preservice teacher education in a limited number of British higher education institutions. Compares this approach in two teacher education programs. Concludes that democratic learning can be incorporated successful into a variety of subject specialties. (CFR)

Contends that, even before the fall of Communism, Hungary had a long history of educational reform when compared to other East European nations. Discusses attributes of the new national basic curriculum and student assessment program. (CFR)

Reviews the current Polish educational system and assesses its prospects for meaningful reform. Discusses the changing nature of students, teachers, and the impact of changing social values on education. Outlines aspects of the new model of general education, including the curriculum and instructional materials. (CFR)