Seven successive curricula for Swedish in the Swedish primary school are investigated using a linguistic method that traces its origin to the Russian literary theorist, Michail Bakhtin. The amount of dialogicity, viewed as the room given to different paradigms to argue against each other, is shown to decrease from the earlier curricula to the…

This study examines the mediating role of homework in the daily practice of a middle-school mathematics teacher and her colleagues in Shanghai. It aims to explore how a system of homework activities mediates and engenders a cultural pedagogy characterized by transforming errors into resources for teaching and learning. The transformation itself…

Currently, definitions of "science", "reading", and "literacy" in the US lend a seemingly nonrelativistic permanence to these terms, and render them resistant to critique. This paper offers a theoretical frame for critiquing this permanence, analysing why early-literacy instruction is tightly tied to traditional forms…

Described is a model for teaching elementary school science based on the generative view of learning: that meaning is created by the learner through mental processing that involves relating new input to existing ways of viewing the world. How curriculum researchers can help teachers implement this model is also discussed. (RM)

Examples of children's discussions about Escher Kaleidocycles are utilized to show the importance of connecting mathematics to its sources in sense experience, rather than just teaching the conventions which are meaningless to many students. (IS)

Japanese methods of teaching subtraction to first graders, which emphasize the involvement of the children in developing and solving problems, are discussed. The conventional vertical format for solving problems was not introduced immediately. Some results encountered by American teachers using these methods are also discussed. (IS)

Presents highlights from a paper which was delivered at a seminar concerned with science education in elementary schools. The specific focus of the seminar was the possibility of developing process skills through the teaching of science in elementary schools, the means of assessing such skills, and the implications of so doing for teacher training…

Describes an educational research study which was undertaken to determine and assess use of recitation in the elementary school classroom as a teaching technique, particularly in social studies and mathematics education units. Findings indicated that recitation should be used more often in the classroom because it does permit some degree of…

Presents results from a large study of classroom management in third grades. The objective of the study was to gather extensive information about how third grade teachers in socially disadvantaged schools organized their classes. Data are presented regarding student behavior, teacher behavior, and characteristics of effective management.…

Describes the process through which a multiracial, urban elementary class of remedial students adapted the children's story, "Dr. DeSoto," for an in-class presentation. Expands on this example to discuss the role of drama in language, cognitive development, and problem solving. Includes extensive transcripts of the children's…

Utilizes the experiences of seven elementary teachers to examine issues and attitudes concerning whole language learning. Although the seven teachers often feel alienated within their own profession, they remain adamant in their commitment. Discusses their conversion to whole language learning and the influence of the New Zealand school. (MJP)

Investigates the characteristics of oral and written communication in a German third-grade mathematics class and theorizes how this knowledge might be applied to improve instruction. Develops several lessons incorporating communication skills into activities that illustrate fundamental mathematical concepts. Includes lesson transcripts, writing…