The academic difficulties experienced by many Aboriginal (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) students in Canada have been well-documented. Indicators such as school persistence and post-secondary enrollment are typically far lower for Aboriginal students as a group compared to non-Aboriginal students. Identifying facilitators of success is key to…

This study investigates the extent to which service-learners' mindfulness is affected by engagement in reflection (e.g., dialogue) and contemplation activities (e.g., labyrinth tracing). The results are compared within and between treatment groups, while covarying for participants' initial levels of mindfulness. While both dialogue and…

We examined the effectiveness of a professional development school model of teacher education in Canada. Teacher education candidates responded positively to program features related to sustained participation and collaboration in school communities throughout the year. Their efficacy beliefs about developing professional knowledge were most…

The present study compared the teacher ratings and self-perceptions of two groups of children with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties: a) Those with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and b) those with average or below average levels of hyperactivity and attention. Results showed that the ADHD group was rated more poorly by…

The author brings together Paulo Freire and Jurgen Habermas to ask whether dialogue is possible in the classroom or whether, in a culture of rational debate, the classroom becomes more oppressive than democratic? In a voice and style that attempts to invite the skeletons out of the classroom closet, the author asks scholarly readers to lend an…

This study explores pre-service elementary school teachers' understandings of evolutionary science and their feelings and concerns about teaching evolution in Canadian elementary schools. Data were collected through a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Most participants reported acceptance of evolution as a scientifically factual…

In this article, we report some of the findings of a study of the perceptions of secondary teachers about their experiences as full-time second-year teachers in urban public schools. The frustrations felt by this groups of teachers emerged as a strong theme; it is the nature of these frustrations that we explore in this article.

This article is based on a doctoral study of educational change in the School of Education (SOE) of the University of Cape Town (UCT) in South Africa. It is an exploration of "a moment in time" that bore witness to institutional and human transformation in South African higher education. This transformation involved a development from the late…

Research investigating the relationship between classroom environment and self-handicapping was conducted in Australian and Canadian high schools. A sample of 2,006 students responded to a questionnaire that assessed student perceptions of classroom environment and self-handicapping. Simple and multiple correlational analyses showed that classroom…

Analyzed the results of a study that examined academic achievement of adolescents in selected ethnocultural groups in Canada. Surveyed Caribbean, Chinese, East European, Latin American, South Asian, and Canadian students (n=1954). Found that adolescents in voluntary groups had higher academic performance. Includes references. (CMK)

Focuses on the problem of gender-based violence and sexual harassment in South African schools. Describes South African Departments of Education strategies and initiatives used to change attitudes and behaviors. Explores the role of the National Department of Education, teachers, students, and school policy. (CMK)

Summarizes the responses of 38 Canadian principals and inner-city teachers reflecting on their experiences with students exhibiting resiliency. Resiliency is defined as overcoming social and personal disadvantages often through protective or compensatory strategies. Identifies a broad range of compensatory factors including human relationships,…

Focuses on Aboriginal students' perceptions of their lives in schools and their teachers and their aspirations. Indicates that students have a vocational orientation to school life, do not have high self-esteem, admire teachers' interpersonal characteristics, and perceive teachers' expectations to differ from peers' expectations. Identifies…

Documents a relatively new approach adopted by a school to involve parents and students in the formulation of individualized educational goals and plans, the collection of data for comprehensive files, and student assessment. Presents feedback from teachers, parents, and students, and assesses the effectiveness of the program. (DSK)

Presents an analysis of seven studies on field-based Canadian teacher-education programs. Describes conflicting views held by multiple participants and their differing perceptions of course work, field experiences, and beliefs about personal professional competence. Underscores the importance of several factors for creating a strong field-based…