Progression and Continuity in Early Childhood Education: Tensions and contradictions

This article focuses on the current policy context in early childhood education in England and Wales. The provision of high quality preschool education is regarded internationally as a significant factor in raising educational standards. Such aspirations are dependent on achieving effective patterns of continuity and progression from preschool to school. Despite the centrality of these terms in policy rhetoric progression and continuity are disputed and under‐conceptualized concepts. Furthermore, there is a dearth of empirical studies that explore the relationships between progression in learning and progression in the curriculum. The central aim of this article is to clarify some of the tensions and contradictions inherent in current conceptions of progression and continuity, drawing on perspectives from theory, policy and practice. These perspectives suggest that achieving progression and continuity through curricula which secure high quality outcomes is a difficult and, potentially, elusive aspiration. In theoretical terms, assumptions about progression in learning vary according to different orientations. In policy terms, the current subject‐oriented curriculum framework assumes that progression is an issue of content, and is based on the structures of the subjects. Research evidence indicates that educators in different settings are experiencing problems in providing the conditions which might achieve effective patterns of progression and continuity. The authors identify three key areas for further research in order to advance the development of theories of progression and continuity which might usefully inform policy, practice and curriculum development.     

Quantity and Quality of Work in Rows and Classroom Groups

The effect of different seating arrangements on the quantity and quality of work produced in reading, language and mathematics among two classes of 10and 11‐year‐old children was examined. In both classes matched for size, and age and sex distribution, the pupils spent the first two weeks in their normal classroom groups. The second two‐week period was spent in rows before moving back into groups. The findings indicate that quantity of work completed generally increases when children are sat in rows whilst quality of work is maintained.     

Metacognitive Instruction in Map Reading

This study sought to examine the effects of a metacognitively based strategy training programme on infantrymen's success and speed in beating themselves on two‐dimensional topographical maps in two contexts: in the classroom using three‐dimensional models and in the actual field. Experimental subjects received approximately 150 minutes of strategy training in which observing widely, focusing attention, talking associations between topographical features, inspecting the map and checking for correctness were the main elements. Three‐dimensional models were employed as part of the training. Control subjects were trained using traditional methods of grid referencing leading to map‐to‐ground exercises. Results from the model testing phase showed Experimental subjects superior to Control subjects in accuracy of location but no differences in location times. The field test results showed a tendency for more accurate location by Experimental subjects but this was at the expense of time. The results are discussed in terms of speed/accuracy trade‐offs and the nature of strategy training in the future.     

An Examination of the Effect of Elementary School Size on Student Academic Achievement

Prior studies that have investigated the relationship between school size and student academic achievement have produced conflicting results. For example, some studies found a positive relationship between school size and student achievement; other studies found that the relationship is negative. Typically, however, these past studies have not accounted for the influence of student ability in their analysis of the impact of school size on student achievement. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of school size on student achievement while accounting for student ability, among other variables. The results reported in this paper suggest that school size has a nonlinear relationship with respect to student achievement. Thus, there is an optimal school size with respect to the maximization of student achievement.     

Linkages between delayed children's social interactions with mothers and peers

The social dimensions of family-peer linkages of 4- to 6-year-old children (N=63) with developmental delays (IQ range, 50-80) were examined in this study. Hierarchical regressions revealed consistent and meaningful patterns of association relating children's influence attempts directed toward their mothers and their interactions with peers. A similar association with peer interactions was found for children's ability to obtain compliance from their mothers. Evidence suggested the existence of a core behavioral pattern that children exhibit with different partners and in different contexts. The role of horizontal forms of parent-child interactions in promoting the peer relationships of children with delays was suggested, particularly in terms of an intervention approach for this group of children.     

Higher education: core skills in a learning society

This paper is based on the initial findings of the ESRC study on the acquisition and development of core skills in higher education and employment. The context for the study is provided by contested notions of a learning society apparent in the mismatch between the skills and knowledge that universities currently provide and what employers state that they want. The paper takes the form of a series of propositions and questions relating to the perspectives of those in higher education. It discusses the multiple interpretations, and lack of clarity, of the vocabulary of skills, and the difficulties for higher education in meeting the demands of a learning society. It is suggested that changes must be grounded in a more developed approach to the conceptualization of student provision and an enhanced understanding of how students learn.     

Staff Training for Small Businesses — Approaches to Training Needs Analysis and Information Access

Abstract

This paper is designed to encourage discussion on two particular approaches to solving two problems concerning the training of staff in small businesses. It describes ‘The Business Analyst’, a ‘do‐it‐yourself training needs analysis tool intended to be used by managers of small businesses. It has also proved to be a powerful negotiating tool between training providers and managers, and a management aid for training institutions. Secondly, the paper describes the present state of development of a hi‐tech approach to the provision of information about training opportunities.     

Brown and black in white: The social adjustment and academic performance of Chicano and black students in a predominately white university

This article explores the academic and social experiences of Chicago and black students at UCLA. The analysis proceeds by examining differences in social backgrounds, high school and college experiences, and explores the relationship between these factors and college adjustment and achievement (GPA). Drawing upon recent theory on class reproduction and schooling we show particular concern with the role of social class in explaining differential outcomes. The findings indicate that blacks are more likely than Chicanos to feel alienated and perform poorly, and that social class makes no difference in these outcomes for blacks. However, middle class Chicanos perform better and are better adjusted than working class Chicanos. We discuss our findings in the light of theories of class reproduction, cultural capital, and racial signaling, suggesting that theories of reproduction must acknowledge the role of race in unequal school outcomes.