This paper reports on an empirical study concerning educational professionals' understandings of self-harm in primary school children. There is little research available about self-harm in primary-school aged children, and literature searches for the current study have revealed no research on primary school professionals' understandings of…

The core idea of action research is that there should be an intimate relationship between inquiry and practical or political activities. A challenge to this idea based on an influential ancient Greek hierarchy between theoria and praxis is examined. The contrary, pragmatist, notion that all inquiry arises out of human activity is accepted, but not…

Examines the preeminence of research in higher education. Reviews the modern university's history. Suggests that as most academics desire recognition, funding bodies are besieged by people seeking money for research. Argues that university staff members should be expected to contribute to, and should be evaluated for, teaching, research,…

Examines the claim that the National Curriculum provides educational entitlement to all 5- through 16-year-old students in England and Wales. Argues that the curriculum counters efforts to battle racial inequality. Suggests that Labour Party policies would do little better. Highlights elements of an alternative plan that could help promote…

Examines three U.S. versions of multicultural education: (1) cultural understanding (teaching to promote appreciation of ethnic differences); (2) cultural competence (bilingual education); and (3) cultural emancipation (inclusion of minority culture in the curriculum). Argues that differences among the approaches have implications for race…

Challenges the assertion that education is necessarily political. Suggests that discussion of education often focuses on its trappings, rather than the overall subject. Argues that education neither produces good workers and enterprising citizens nor autonomous, free thinking students who love learning. Concludes that such goals are best achieved…

Reports observations of Germany's teacher education programs by an Irish teacher educator. Describes lessons on curriculum design and planning instruction. Contends that German teachers believe that education should develop self-confident, knowledgeable students who will be active participants in a democratic society. (CFR)

Discusses the proper balance between theory and practice in the professional preparation of teachers. Contents that the argument between educational theory and school-based practice is based mistakenly on the premise that practical training is opposed to theory. Concludes that teacher education must be based on the moral and evaluative…

Asserts that, among the many disadvantages suffered by children cared for by public agencies, low educational achievement has the most serious consequences for their future life chances. Reports that research findings on young people previously in care confirm that education is crucially important for the quality of their adult life. (CFR)

Asserts that new government policies must be mediated and implemented through teachers. Maintains that research among some teachers reveals a number of creative adaptations to the English National Curriculum. Describes four aspects of this adaption and argues that they are all related to self-determination. (CFR)

Reports that the debate over class size in schools has become more heated in recent years. Examines recent research and attempts to answer three questions regarding class size and academic achievement. Concludes that there is a link between the 2, but only in the early years and only with classes smaller than 20 students. (CFR)

Asserts that the debate about competency-based teacher education is in its early stages and is hampered by lack of conceptual clarity. Discusses the importance of considering competence within a framework that includes higher order thinking. Describes competence as a state where behavior, cognition, and feeling are balanced. (CFR)

Examines the use of rational planning techniques in five English elementary schools. Discusses the decision-making processes used to determine the employment and remuneration of teachers. Finds that the decree of control over decision making was related closely to the extent to which decisions would contribute to solutions of other school…

Argues that the United Kingdom's manufacturing productivity will not accelerate in the near future. Calls for an increased vocational emphasis within higher education. Examines the changing nature of participation in and expectations of higher education and the demand for increased accountability. Discusses the need to increase university funding.…

Discusses the recent drastic changes in world affairs. Examines differences between U.S. and British higher education. Argues that both systems must adapt to global changes by (1) improving teaching about foreign countries and cultures; (2) closing the gap between the worlds of learning and work; and (3) assuring stable governmental and private…