Educational reform: Implications for educational psychologists

The Holmes Group report, titled Tomorrow's Teachers (1986), and the report of the Carnegie Forum on Education and the Economy, titled A Nation Prepared: Teachers for the 21st Century (1986), contain major reform proposals that have implications for educational psychologists. To understand the nature of these proposals, we performed a content analysis of the Holmes and Carnegie documents and constructed a 149-item survey instrument. Three separate mailings were conducted to solicit volunteer respondents from the initial Holmes Group, Division 15 of APA, and the Teacher Education Council of State Colleges and Universities (TECSCU). A principal components analysis with varimax rotation was performed on data collected from 1039 respondents, and three factors were found to underlie the survey instrument: Incremental Changes, Sweeping Changes, and Financial Changes. A multivariate analysis of variance on the three factor scores revealed that the Holmes Group more strongly supported Incremental and Sweeping Changes than did TECSCU respondents, and that Division 15 members more strongly endorsed Sweeping Changes than did TECSCU. Recommendations are made for involving educational psychologists in the reform process.     

Educational reform: Implications for educational psychologists—A comment on Benton and Hoyt's study

Stephen L. Benton and Kenneth B. Hoyt have studied the reactions of TECSCU members contrasted to those of Holmes Group Members to the recommendations made in the Holmes Group and the Carnegie reform reports. This paper agrees with several observations made by these authors, including the elitist nature of the Holmes Group and the ignoring of educational psychology and other teacher-education faculty, but it disagrees with some of the causes behind these accusations, some attributed to naivety of the Holmes Group leaders and others attributed to their purposeful, self-serving goals. This paper has focused on those report recommendations that are educationally unsound and it has offered explanations with supportive information.     

Educational psychology and the reform of teacher education

Benton and Hoyt (1989) perform a service for educational psychology by obtaining empirical evidence about educational psychologists' reactions to changes in teacher education proposed by the Holmes Group and the Carnegie Commission. Their paper should serve to stimulate debate about the proper role of educational psychology in teacher education. In this paper, we challenge the empirical findings reported by Benton and Hoyt and suggest reasons why the findings may misrepresent educational psychologists' interest in teacher education. We argue that some of the Holmes and Carnegie recommendations contradict the emerging consensus among cognitive psychologists about the contextually bound nature of knowledge. Benton and Hoyt conceptualize educational psychology according to the traditional middleperson viewpoint and make recommendations with respect to educational psychology that presume this conceptualization. We counter that the middleperson viewpoint is being made obsolete by changes in psychology, and describe an alternative conception of educational psychology. This alternative conception leads to a set of alternative recommendations about the appropriate role of educational psychology in the reform of teacher education.     

The Holmes reports: perils and possibilities

There has not yet been an attempt to categorize or critique the substantial body of literature that has arisen around the Holmes Group’s three reports regarding the treatment of teaching and teacher education: Tomorrow’s Teachers (1986), Tomorrow’s Schools (1990) and Tomorrow’s Schools of Education (1995). This article represents an initial attempt to do so, as well as to discuss what impact, if any, the Holmes suggestions have had on current practice. This literature revolves around the themes of gender, professionalism, and epistemology—themes which have dominated discussions of American teacher education for at least 150 years. Criticism of the reports accuses the Holmes Group of covering over and even perpetuating dilemmas related to thee issues with politically calculating pseudo-solutions. Favorable responses to the Holmes reports generally claim that they ‘professionally’ empower teachers by showing increased respect for teachers’ ways of knowing and doing in the classroom.     

Analysis and implications of educational reform proposals for educational psychologists: A comment on Benton and Hoyt

The design of Benton and Hoyt's study is discussed, as well as their data analysis. The limitations of the study, including the possible bias toward economic issues of the items and of data interpretation and nonrandom sampling of the subjects, are noted. Benton and Hoyt's discussion of how educational psychologists are affected by the educational reform movement is considered within the larger framework of the shift in educational research from a static normative to a dynamic interactionist approach. This shift has not only affected specific reform proposals, but also shows promise of resolving perceived conflicts in the proposals between excellence and equity and educational psychologists and teacher educators.     

Educational reform in teacher preparation: Proposals,reactions, and implementation

The article by Benton and Hoyt provides data that creates an opportunity for a significant discussion concerning the role of educational psychologists in education reform. Education reform in teacher education has three identifiable stages. The first stage is the series of proposals that have been generated by a number of groups implying that education reform efforts will bring about positive change. The second component has been reactions or debates surrounding the proposals and significant changes proposed by national reports. Finally, there have been component parts of the proposals implemented in experimental ways in schools and colleges of education. Clearly, a segment of the educational psychology academic community has been involved in all three phases of education reform, and the need for maintaining a research posture and a demand for documentation of improvement is necessary from all educators—and in particular educational psychologists. The 1980s were the years for proposing and reacting. The years between now and the twenty-first century will be the time of implementation and evaluation of changes. The opportunity is present for active involvement of all interested educational psychologists. The article by Benton and Hoyt is a meaningful article for educational psychologists because it points out our differing opinions and provides some basis for us to understand our differences concerning specific issues in teacher education reform.     

美国PDS政策述评

美国在20世纪80年代以后逐步形成了“建立PDS（Professional Development Schools,专业发展学校）促进教师专业发展的政策”（简称PDS政策）。一些有影响的政策制定部门,例如霍姆期小组、美国教师教育鉴定委员会、全国教学和未来委员、美国教育部会等都就PDS的有关问题制定了相应政策。这些政策的颁布和实施,有效地促进了教师专业发展,促进了教师专业发展的一体化、终身化,促进了大学与中小学的联合,强化了中小学促进教师专业发展的功能,推动了积极探索实现教师专业发展途径的尝试。     

Educational reform and the educational psychologist: Another perspective

In responding to the work of Benton and Hoyt, Kowalski argues that an adequate analysis of reform efforts is incomplete without an examination of underlying purposes. Questions are raised regarding the motives of those who promote extended teacher education programs and the Carnegie Forum proposal for national certification. The author suggests that educational psychologists can contribute to reform efforts by helping to explore values, beliefs, motivations, and needs as they relate to change proposals in teacher education.     

A “model” proposal for reform in teacher training

The present paper uses as a point of departure two of Benton and Hoyt's (1990) survey items concerning undergraduate teaching and their finding that Holmes Group and Division 15 members favored more sweeping changes in teacher education whereas TESCSU members favored more incremental changes. It: (a) suggests that reform is unlikely to succeed without change in the behavior of those who teach prospective teachers; (b) suggests ways in which educational psychologists can improve the effectiveness of teachers and teacher training; and (c) questions whether moving teacher training to the graduate level will in fact improve such education.     

Mental health and special educational needs: exploring a complex relationship

The relationship between mental health and special educational needs is both complex and misunderstood. In this article, Richard Rose, Professor of Special and Inclusive Education, Marie Howley, Senior Lecturer, Ann Fergusson, Senior Lecturer, and Johnson Jament, a PhD student, all from the Centre for Special Needs Education and Research directed by Richard Rose at the University of Northampton, discuss findings from a national research project which explored the perceptions of pupil mental health needs by staff working in residential special schools. Teachers and other professional colleagues often feel ill-prepared to address mental health difficulties experienced by their pupils. This is, at times, exacerbated by a wider confusion when atypical behaviours are attributed to a diagnosed learning difficulty rather than being recognised as symptomatic of a mental health problem. The article suggests a need for clarification of the relationship between complex special educational needs and mental health and for increases in training opportunities and the development of resources for teaching about and supporting mental health and emotional well-being.     

美、英、新加坡国家教师荣誉制度的共性研究

国家级教师最高奖具有鼓励全国教师热爱并积极从事教育事业的重要作用。美国＂国家年度教师＂、英国＂年度教师奖＂和新加坡＂卓越教师总统奖＂作为三国的教师最高荣誉制度各有特色,激励教师的政策目标明确,评选流程规范,荣誉获得者作为教师的代言人和学习楷模具有显著的示范作用,且获奖教师普遍在情感教育、创新思维、关注弱势群体等方面有着独特的贡献。     

试论刘皑风的教育思想

刘皑风是一位革命教育家。抗日战争和解放战争时期 ,曾任晋察冀边区行政委员会教育处处长、华北人民政府教育部副部长。新中国成立后 ,历任高等教育部、教育部副部长等职务。刘皑风关于儿童教育、小学生生活指导、教育与生产劳动相结合以及论小学教师等教育思想 ,对革命根据地和新中国教育的发展起到了奠基的作用。     

感动的教育和教育的感动

感动是生命的神性本然的跳动,是人之为人的理由。我们每个人都是生命的过客,当我们即将进入另一个世界的时候,我们唯一的财富就是那些充满泪水的感动记忆。然而,当下人们的感动阈限愈来愈高。教育作为社会文明的"绿洲",应成为感动的孵化器。教育归根结底是关照人的心灵的工作。教师应敞开心灵,随时准备感动学生和被学生感动。     

What do special educational needs coordinators think they do?

In this article, Elizabeth Cowne presents the results of research which began as an investigation into the organisational contexts in which special educational needs coordinators (SENCOs) work, and continued as an evaluation of the outreach SENCO training accredited with the London Institute of Education. Questionnaire data was collected from course members over a three‐year period. Further research used focus groups in four London boroughs to explore SENCOs' views of their constant and emerging roles. Interviews with local education authority (LEA) officers from the same London boroughs enquired how SENCOs and their schools were supported. Findings confirmed earlier research showing the importance of management support. Where SENCOs had sufficient non‐contact time and status, they felt efficient. Taking part in the long courses enhanced confidence, skills and knowledge. The focus groups uncovered the wide variety and expanding roles held by SENCOs: the majority requiring work with pupils, parents, teachers, teaching assistants (TAs) and outside agencies. LEA support was seen as essential in maintaining this ever‐changing development.     

Reviews

Hatcher, Richard; Troyna, Barry and Gewirtz, Deborah Racial Equality and the Local Management of Schools
Hustler, David and McIntyre, Donald (eds) Developing Competent Teachers: Approaches to Professional Competence in Teacher Education
Daglish, Neil Education Policy-Making in England and Wales: The Crucible Years, 1895–1911
Diller, Ann; Houston, Barbara; Morgan, Kathryn Pauly and Ayim, Maryann The Gender Question in Education: Theory, Pedagogy and Politics
Webb, Rosemary and Vulliamy, Graham Roles and Responsibilities in the Primary School: Changing Demands, Changing Practices
Delamont, Sara A Women's Place in Education: Historical and Sociological Perspectives on Gender and Education
Copelman, Dina M. London's Women Teachers
Halstead, J. Mark and Taylor, Monica J. Values in Education and Education in Values
Cowen, Robert (ed) The Evaluation of Higher Education Systems
Jipson, Janice; Munro, Petra; Victor, Susan; Froude Jones, Karen and Freed-Rowland, Gretchen Repositioning Feminism and Education: Perspectives on Educating for Social Change
Carnoy, Martin (ed) International Encyclopedia of Economics of Education (Second Edition)
Elliott, Jane; Francis, Hywel; Humphreys, Rob and Instance, David (eds) Communities and Their Universities: The Challenge of Lifelong Learning
Oram, Alison Women Teachers and Feminist Politics 1900–39
Wang, Margaret C.; Reynolds, Maynard C. and Walberg, Herbert J. Handbook of Special and Remedial Education: Research and Practice (Second Edition)
Broadfoot, Patricia M. Education, Assessment and Society
Stoll, Louise and Fink, Dean Changing Our Schools     

教育政策分析与当前教育政策热点问题

公平、法制、科学和效率是现代教育政策的价值基础。从这一思想出发,文章分析了教育改革过程中政策议题的选择、政策决策、政策执行及政策评估等环节中的理论问题,进而提出了当前教育政策研究的若干热点问题。     

Self-presentation bias in surveys of teachers’ educational technology practices

This study investigated self-presentation bias in the self-reports of teachers about their practices in six topic areas in educational technology (Instructional Design, Assessment, Learner-Centered Instruction, Curriculum Alignment, Attitudes about Computers, and Use of Computers with Students). Subjects were 50 middle-school teachers. Data were collected using a 30-item Likert-type survey containing five items per topic area. Teachers responded to items in two forms: “what I do” and “what other teachers do.” Significant differences favoring the “I” form were obtained in three of the six areas (Instructional Design, Learner-Centered Instruction, and Curriculum Alignment) and on nine of the 30 items, indicating a rather strong self-presentation bias. Responses were generally positive across both forms. Results are discussed with implications for working with teachers and for using additional assessment measures that complement teacher self-reports.     

Reform: Why? What? By whom?

Benton and Hoyt have surveyed educational psychologists regarding their views on reform of teacher-training programs. Ostensibly based on the results of their survey, Benton and Hoyt have called for a greater role of educational psychologists in shaping the reform of teacher training. The present article questions: (1) whether educational psychologists have skills that would contribute to reform as it is being conceptualized; (2) whether the reform movement is focusing on aspects of the educational system that will result in improved student outcomes; and (3) whether it is the educational system that needs reform or our expectations for the educational system.     

Strengthening the special educational needs element of initial teacher training and education

In the academic year 2006–2007, the Training and Development Agency (TDA) set up a development programme to enable Initial Teacher Training and Education (ITTE) placements in specialist special education provision. The goal of the programme was to enhance the knowledge, skills and understanding of inclusive practice for special educational needs and disability among those joining and those who are relatively new to the teaching workforce. This article, by Gill Golder, Nicky Jones and Erica Eaton Quinn, all Senior Lecturers at the College of St Mark and St John in Plymouth, outlines one project related to this TDA programme. The authors explore the outcomes of their work on a three‐year BEd (Honours) Secondary Physical Education course in the south‐west against the TDA's objectives for both trainee teachers and the special schools to which they were attached. Results confirm the importance of preparing trainee teachers for a future career in more inclusive schools.     

Discovering social inequality: Dutch educational research in the post-war era

Between the 1940s and 1960s across Western Europe a spirit of reform along comprehensive lines manifested itself in secondary education, aiming at a reduction of the existing social inequality of educational chances. These reforms are said to be rooted in new policies and in new approaches in educational studies. This article explores the relationship between educational reform and educational science in a country, the Netherlands, which did not “go comprehensive”. Though, by the late 1950s, social inequality of educational chances, the waste of working-class talent, and the impossibility of a fair selection at the age of 12 had been discovered by Dutch educationists, equal chances were not mentioned as a target in the new Secondary Education Act (1963). Its focus was directed at the development of individual talent, regardless of class, and selection continued to be applied at a very early age. This policy was even approved of by the social democrats, who elsewhere acted as protagonists of comprehensive schooling. They held on to the deeply rooted idea of two different, class-bound kinds of pupils with different educational needs, the “intellectuals” and the “manuals”, a message that had been spread for a long time by educational researchers themselves.