Notions of culture, ethnicity and identity are highly political (and also personally meaningful) issues within diasporic communities. Complementary schools are particularly interesting sites in this respect, as they are often set up with an explicit cultural agenda of "preserving" or "maintaining" "traditional" culture and language within…

The context of this research is one in which teachers are now expected to equip their pupils with the disposition and skills for life-long learning. It is vital, therefore, that teachers themselves are learners, not only in developing their practice but also in modelling for pupils the process of continual learning. This paper is based on a series…

Teacher change in mathematics education is recognised to be a difficult and at times painful process. This is particularly so in countries such as England where primary mathematics is taught by non-specialist teachers, who have often had negative experiences of their own school mathematics. In this paper we explore primary teachers' emotional…

This paper considers the professional responsibility of schools in England to provide effective induction practices in the context of a central government mandated policy. It looks at individual schools as "habitats" for induction and the role of school leaders and LEAs as facilitators or inhibitors. Notions of professional responsibility and…

This paper explores the policy of single-sex classes that is currently being adopted in some schools as a strategy for addressing boys educational and social needs. It draws on research in one Australian government, coeducational primary school to examine teachers' and students' experiences of this strategy. Interviews with the principal, male and…

Teacher effectiveness research has tended to neglect the analysis of values in two senses: the general values associated with the processes of education, and the more specific values underlying effective teaching. The possibilities for re-conceptualising teacher effectiveness, by incorporating a values dimension, are illustrated through two…

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 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)