Traces the history of rural education in Australia, including the influence of early British colonists, the emergence and eventual consolidation of state systems of education, and the implementation of distance education. Focuses on the development of education in remote areas of Queensland and government impact on rural education. (LP)

Discusses the historical development of Australia's rural economy and examines ways in which Australia's economic development and current position are reflected in national education policies. Concludes that the current national agenda for education may not fully benefit rural people as it is based on urban models that neglect specific needs and…

Analysis of current Australian educational policy and practice and interviews with 24 teachers newly appointed to small rural schools in Australia indicates a need for specialized training for rural teachers and the development of specific rural staffing policies and selection practices. (LP)

Discusses the impact on rural Australian schools of recent developments in distance education, including new communication technologies, changes in the concept of Distance Education Centres, the advent of open learning ("open" college courses delivered electronically by a consortium of universities), and interinstitutional networking. Research…

Reports on a study of cultural images of people in 5 nations by 24 10- to 13-year-old children of low socioeconomic backgrounds. Finds that 10-year olds focused on the thoughts and feelings of people whereas the 13-year olds included more knowledge abstracted to the country level. (CFR)

Contends that pluralistic democracy relies on conflict of ideas and participative decision making. Reports on case studies of two different approaches to teaching world studies. Finds that both approaches encouraged students to participate actively, but others remained silent during the discussion. (CFR)

Reports on a study of 475 choral music directors to determine measurable dimensions of choral music teaching style, identify teaching styles and develop a reliable and valid self-report instrument for assessing teaching style. Identifies 11 choral music teaching styles based on performance, music concepts, and student independence. (CFR)

Reports on an analysis of gender-related references appearing in the "Music Supervisors' Journal" from 1914-24. Finds that both coeducational and single-sex musical organizations were discussed and that vocal and instrumental instruction for boys and girls was advocated. (CFR)

Reports on a study of the attitudes of 542 students in grades 3-6 toward singing and choir participation in relation to grade level, gender, classroom singing activities, previous singing experience, and degree of singing skill. Finds that most subjects indicated a positive attitude toward singing, but less than half were interested in choral…

Reports on a study of the classroom environment and student attitudes in 38 secondary Chinese classrooms. Finds that, despite considerable cultural and political differences, the classroom environment in social studies is remarkably similar to that in the United States. Concludes that diverse activities and active student involvement are related…

Reviews 11 normative principles of capitalist economics. Contends that these principles form the basis for much of economics education in the United States and Western society. Argues that to save the world from massive environmental degradation, economics education must be completely restructured to focus on ecological concerns. (CFR)

Provides a reaction by three economic educators to an article by Raymond C. Miller calling for the elimination of economics. Contends that traditional economics does not necessarily lead to the degradation of the environment. Argues that economics should not promote any set of social values. (CFR)

Supports the arguments in the author's earlier article in which he calls for ending the teaching of economics. Maintains that criticism of his views are based on faulty understanding of neoclassical economics. Concludes that economics cannot be value-free, and environmental concerns must be addressed in economics and social studies education. (CFR)

Data from a national sample of 456 science teachers in 93 secondary schools indicate that, relative to nonrural teachers, rural teachers were less experienced, less likely to have majored in a science, and less likely to have a graduate degree. Some differences were related to state certification policies. (SV)

In 1985, Illinois adopted state legislation supporting school district mergers. In one rural district studied, local opposition to consolidation was based on self-interest, ideologies of localism and traditionalism, and (to a lesser extent) research information. Implications for policymakers and the complexity of the "local control" concept are…