Paul Wangoola and Frank Youngman (eds.). 1996. Towards a Transformative Political Economy of Adult Education: Theoretical and Practical Challenges

International Review of Education -     

Preparing teachers for inclusive education: using inclusive pedagogy to enhance teaching and learning for all

As the concept of ‘inclusive education’ has gained currency, students who would previously have been referred to specialist forms of provision, having been judged ‘less able’, are now believed to belong in mainstream classrooms. However, it is often argued that teachers lack the necessary knowledge and skills to work with such students in inclusive classrooms. This paper reports findings of a study of a new initial teacher education course that starts from the premise that the question is not whether teachers have the necessary knowledge and skills to teach in inclusive classrooms, but how to make best use of what they already know when learners experience difficulty. The theoretical rationale for the development of the course is outlined and examples of how teachers might engage in more inclusive practice are presented.     

Reimagining Counselor Education with Diversity as a Core Value

To move diversity from the periphery of counselor preparation to its core requires effort beyond the 1 or 2 “special” courses that have been the mainstay of multicultural counselor education (T. E. Midgette & S. S. Meggert, 1991). The authors describe the processes and outcomes of a systemic reimagining of Auburn University's counselor education doctoral program, as well as community agency and school counseling master's‐degree programs that incorporate diversity as a core value. The development of diversity‐supportive department policies and procedures, curricular and cocurricular changes, and environmental considerations are discussed and evaluated.     

Book Review: Schweisfurth Michele,Lynn Davies,and Clive Harber (eds.). 2002. Learning Democracy and Citizenship: International Experiences. Oxford: Symposium Books. 304 pp. ISBN 1-873927-29-0

International Review of Education -     

Patient and Provider Perceptions of Decision Making About Use of Epidural Analgesia During Childbirth: A Thematic Analysis

This study examines the nature of differences in perceptions of decision making between patients and providers about use of epidural analgesia during labor. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns in written survey responses from 14 patients, 13 labor nurses, and 7 obstetrician–gynecologists. Results revealed patients attempted to place themselves in an informed role in decision making and sought respect for their decisions. Some providers demonstrated paternalism and a tendency to steer patients in the direction of their own preferences. Nurses observed various pressures on decision making, reinforcing the importance of patients being supported to make an informed choice. Differences in perceptions suggest need for improvement in communication and shared decision-making practices related to epidural analgesia use in labor.     

Media Regulation and Law

Harold L. Nelson and Dwight L. Teeter, Jr.'s Law of Mass Communications: Freedom and Control of Print and Broadcast Media (Mineola, N.Y.: Foundation Press, 1978—$16.00)

David Gordon's Problems in Law of Mass Communications: Programmed Instruction (same publisher–inquire for copies), which in a few cases also updates the basic text (as in the Supreme Court case on crossownership of media)

John Foley, Robert C. Lobdell, and Robert Trounson, eds. The Southern California Conference on The Media and the Law (Los Angeles: Times Mirror Press, 1978—price not given, paper)