Discusses the role of creative arts in developing talent among gifted students. Talent development strategies using the arts are identified. Also describes ways that teachers can support collaboration among the arts and that parents can advocate and foster arts programs. (CR)

A study examining the relationship between motivation and giftedness of 97 Israeli students (grades 5-9) applying for admission to an institute for gifted students found motivation score differences between those accepted and those not. The study concluded that motivation spurs giftedness, while giftedness enhances various components of…

This paper discusses problems arising from prevailing definitions of intelligence that are based on a rational paradigm, the typical form of acquiring knowledge in the modern world. Argues that perceptions of "being intelligent" are formed by the requirements of traditional scientific method. Suggestions are outlined for understanding intelligence…

The paper outlines how the principles of the "Thinking Actively in a Social Context" (TASC) model have been adopted to provide an extension program through Telematics, which delivers lessons to remote sites using teleconferencing equipment, fax machines, and computers linked by modems. Describes use of the TASC model for remote Australian high…

Examines the role of mentors in providing individual tutoring and support in the field of creative writing. The organization of mentorship programs is explained and the Creative Arts Program, a two-level Singapore program that provides mentors to secondary and junior college students, is described. (Author/CR)

Reports the retrospective thoughts of 161 former participants of Saturday and summer gifted programs at Purdue University (Indiana). The programs offer enrichment and accelerated classes in all areas of the curriculum for children from age 2 through middle school. The programs' role in shaping career choices is discussed. (CR)

Presents conclusions and suggestions regarding teacher development in developing countries based on common sense, research, and experience. Discusses teacher and school conditions, teaching methods, and improving conventional teaching. Concludes that teacher development projects should not provide universal recipes for all schools and all…

Argues that a trip to a zoo or museum should provide children with opportunities to use knowledge they have acquired in their school science classes. Reports on museum research on the conversations of visitors. Concludes that visitors need to actively work with their observations and information to turn the visit from a series of everyday…

Documents the process of the WETLANDS pilot project, an interdisciplinary environmental science curriculum that incorporates the discovery approach to learning. Includes vignettes that illustrate the powerful influence of the teacher in the classroom. (JRH)

This thematic section includes "Community Education in the Cook Islands" (Brian Terrence Hagan); "Developing the Grassroots: A Community Education Program in Fiji" (Joseph Veramu); "Literacy in the Community: The Papua New Guinea Experience" (Vincent Manukayasi); "Young Aborigine People Learn about Life through Comic Books"; and "A New and…

The dominant capitalist market economy is not helpful to sustainable development, especially in the fragile ecosystems of the Pacific Islands. Practical alternatives would call upon the cultural wisdom of permanence. (SK)

Poverty in Africa is related to numerous factors: history of slavery, colonial and neocolonial rule, political and economic dependence, foreign debt, government corruption, high illiteracy, gender insensitivity, civil wars that create refugees, and unemployment. Solutions must take into account the political, economic, and social factors that…

Explains the need for scientific and technological literacy, the role of supplementary teaching materials specifically created for this purpose, and the successes and difficulties in creating teaching materials in a workshop. Concludes that science teaching today is not designed to promote literacy and does not assist students in becoming the…

Explores the current images that students have of scientists, student perceptions of science study in school, and student awareness of their use of science outside of school. Fifth grade students (N=117) were the subjects of this study that asked students to sketch scientists and school science. (DDR)

Argues that the present crisis of basic education for young people in Africa reveals problems that are more fundamental than enrollments, inputs, and costs. Maintains that non-conventional approaches to learning, associated with non-formal and distance education, have important but distinct contributions to make to the reform of mainstream…