Historical information concerning Centres of Excellence in British Universities and the concept of excellence in relation to the roles and functions of the universities, the elements of excellence, and equality are considered. The term "centre of excellence" may be applied to an institution or department that has successfully specialized…

Adam Smith used selections from English literature in his classroom during the eighteenth century because he believed that vernacular literature could provide a ready context for the teaching of ideological, social, and moral lessons. He believed that higher education should prepare students for the real business of the real world. (RM)

In January 2002, Ireland's minister of state announced the establishment of the National Adult Learning Council to take effect in March 2002. One of the council's priorities will be to establish local adult learning boards (LALBs) to oversee development and delivery of adult education. An Irish government white paper recommended that LALBs'…

Education in China was dominated for 2000 years by Confucianism, with its reverence for learning and resultant class system. Under Mao, education emphasized practical applications of subject matter and the importance of manual labor. Since Mao's death, schools are again beginning to emphasize the development of intellectual skills. (CS)

This paper reviews the history of early childhood education in China between 1949 and 1990. After the Communist revolution in 1949, China's educational policy was modeled after the Soviet Union's. Preschool pedagogy emphasized conditioning children's behavior and providing a comfortable environment for children. The number of nurseries and…

Units of work represent an effort on the part of the school to relate subject matter and the development of skills in the organization of children's learning about important interests, topics, or problems. The units are made by teachers with their children and are designed to fit the situation in which they are to be used. There is no single…

A report of the Commission on University Purpose of The University of Alberta, Canada, is presented. Based on the perceptions of the various publics, the Commission sought to clarify the purposes and functions of the university. After an introductory section on the historical development of universities and The University of Alberta, changing…

Industrial arts is a phase of general education that concerns itself with the materials, processes, and products of manufacture, and with the contribution of those engaged in industry. The learnings come through the pupil's experiences with tools and materials, and through his study of resultant conditions of life. It is a curriculum area rather…