The network of relations between Physical Education (PE) teachers' self-efficacy, goal orientations, attitudes, intentions and behaviours concerning the implementation of a new PE curriculum was examined. Participants were 290 Greek junior high school PE teachers. Two years after the introduction of the new curriculum, participants responded to…

This article draws on and develops the outcomes of previous research which concluded that school subject departments provide the setting for influential professional development and that experienced teachers strongly influence their newly qualified colleagues. The findings of two subsequent research projects, which used this as a starting point,…

The purpose of this study was to provide a description of an on-site professional development program for Russian teachers as they learned to teach Sport Education. A concurrent objective was to investigate the effectiveness of this professional development opportunity. Participants were two physical education teachers (one with 27 and one with 3…

Teachers are often confined to their classrooms with limited or no time to share with colleagues the difficulties they face, their concerns, and their successful initiatives. This leads to a situation where they end up teaching in ways and approaches they believe to be best with no chance to know how others may be approaching similar difficulties…

Many countries in the "developed world" are engaging in what has been described as a "systemic" reform of their education systems, due in part to the competitive economic pressures of globalisation. Much literature has been generated about globalisation, exploring the dynamic interrelationship said to exist between economic convergence and…

Continuing training is important for all professionals, and is especially essential for professionals in education. In this article, we present a study that evaluates the state of continuing training in early childhood education in Spain. The research identifies the impact of training for teachers, for children and for educational centers. Results…

The aim of this study was to examine how teachers in the Step by Step and traditional kindergartens assess their child-centred activities. 308 teachers participated in the study and a questionnaire was used. The results of the study showed that teachers in the Step by Step programme used a child-centred approach more in their work than teachers in…

In many European heritage early childhood education communities cultural-historical theory has become increasingly influential for informing practice. Yet one of the major challenges facing the field has been the slow mobilisation of new theory into practice. This paper reports on a study of 40 early childhood pre-service students as they moved…

This paper investigates the concept of adjustment to school for a group of primary one (first grade) pupils in Singapore. Pupils rated by their teachers as being well adjusted obtained significantly higher grades at the end of the school year, did not require additional learning support, and exhibited better social skills compared to children…

Early years classroom practice in Northern Ireland is perceived to be dominated by a traditional teacher-directed model to the detriment of a more constructivist, play-based and child-initiated learning environment favoured in many nations' early education provision (see for example Walsh, 2000). In 2002, the Northern Ireland Council for…

Addresses conceptual problems that teachers face in addressing racial and multicultural issues. Identifies the problem of determining criteria to use for students and their own enterprises. Explores the roles of educational, social, and psychological values and the aims of multiculturalism. Examines the meanings of race and culture and the dangers…

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…

Discusses educational contacts between East and West Germany during the Cold War. Describes East Germany's socialist educational system and how it triggered educational reform in West Germany. Explains how completely East German totalitarianism penetrated the nation's classrooms. Examines what educational freedom will mean for eastern Germany and…

Describes the European Community's efforts to unify Europe and enhance competitiveness in world markets by improving use of available intellectual potential. Discusses ERASMUS, the European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students. Explains the role of Inter-University Cooperation Programs (ICPs), a course credit transfer…

Describes European Community attempts to foster awareness of cultural unity. Explains that efforts include curricula and classroom instruction, educational materials, teacher training, and international contacts between teachers and students. Lists three objectives: (1) determining how the educational system contributes to the creation of the…