Contains general background and pertinent context that relate to creativity programs and their effectiveness from a disciplinary or instructiveness point of view. Discusses what constitutes a "program" and elaborates on disciplinary characteristics and creativity. (SLD)

Interprets the historical development of major curriculum theories in terms of their relation to creativity as a goal of organized learning. Also explores the development by discussing the organizing of learning for creativity from the viewpoints of different sociological paradigms. (SLD)

Makes the case that the primary mission of education is the preparation of artists, using a conceptualization of artistry that encompasses not just the fine arts, but anything made well. The cognitive processes so important in the arts are critically important in all other walks of life today. (SLD)

Describes the influence of Comenius, invited to Sweden in 1642, on the Swedish educational system and shows how his ideas of international cooperation and tolerance inspired thinkers like Bengt Skytte, who developed the idea of the "Sophopolis" in the 1660s as a center of learned individuals from many countries. (SLD)

Studied changes in moral reasoning, value priorities, and self-descriptions in 43 Finnish medical students over the first 2 years of study. Moral reasoning scores declined significantly, but no significant changes were found in any other measures. By the third year, the instrumental value hierarchy of students had converged toward typical medical…

Studied teachers' development in a large English "comprehensive" school during a period of intense educational reform, focusing on eight experienced teachers. Findings highlight a range of factors that appeared to constrain teachers' professional development. Considers the implications for recent Danish policy related to school-focused teacher…

Studied the factors that govern immigrants' acquisition of a second language through 22 interviews with illiterate Kurdish refugees in Sweden and immigrants with at least 6 years of schooling. The pedagogic conclusions that can be drawn relate mainly to measures for increasing motivation and the need for achieving greater contact with target…

Studied motor competence in 4-year-old children in Norway and tested 91 children using the Movement ABC test. Most striking was that only 1 of the 91 would be classified as "clumsy" within the fifth percentile of U.S. norms, and 7 children were "borderline." Seven of these eight children were boys. (SLD)

Studied the effects of motivational styles on group work and discussion-based teaching in an environmental science course in which 180 university students participated. Discussion-based teaching appeared attractive to almost all students, although liking for group work varied. Discusses implications for teaching and learning. (SLD)

Educators are often caught up in the problem of political agendas or funding driving educational research. Projects and proposals congruent with current trends or some agency's priority are often those that are funded. Institutional recognition in the form of promotion and salary increments is frequently focused on funded research. What, then, is…

Native Americans have oral traditions that are distinct from the European literacy consciousness, having different modes of discourse, different kinds of metaphorical thinking, and different conceptions of teaching as storytelling. Storytelling is important in children's education, but to be effective and respectful of Native culture, school…

Surveys of 28 New Brunswick (Canada) principals and vice-principals from 23 elementary schools examined their perceptions of their ability to assist teachers in using information and communication technologies (ICTs). Correlational analyses show that the more principals used ICTs, the easier it was for them to support teachers in ICT integration.…

A study examined socioeconomic and gender influences on student computer use. Surveys of 2,681 seniors from 60 Alberta high schools indicated higher computer use among males. Male and female students of higher socioeconomic status were more likely to use computers at home, but less likely to use them at school. Findings challenge claims that…

A survey of 219 children from a kindergarten in the United States and a Kuwaiti kindergarten and Indian private preschool in Kuwait examined children's perceptions of God, death, and the afterlife. The common responses of the children suggest that although different views of Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism may appear contradictory, they are all…

A study examined preservice teachers' professional "risk taking" during student teaching with regard to experimenting with cooperative learning. Classroom observations and interviews with 14 preservice teachers who were student teaching in Quebec high schools indicated that risk taking and innovation depended on support received during planning…