Developing networks of grass-roots science curriculum action

This paper describes an ongoing process of participatory curriculum development. It outlines some of the tensions which need to be explored in science curriculum development: debates about the nature of science, of society, of school science content and of learning theories. The process whereby action can arise from this debate is also explored. An example will be outlined of a network of science curriculum action which has developed from the work of a range of science education projects in Natal, South Africa. Specializations: science curriculum development from primary to tertiary level. Specializations: inservice primary science teacher development. Specializations: inservice teacher development, biology education. Specializations: environmental education, teacher development. Specializations: environmental education, teacher development.     

Eight Pedagogical Preambles on Dolly the Sheep

This paper explores the assumptions underlying a commonplace school activity based on the mandated science curriculum: exploring the difference between natural and human made structures. Following a student's desire to use Dolly the Sheep as his example, a great array of contemporary and classical connections are explored.     

Growing up in a tourist destination: developing an environmental sensitivity

Abstract

This paper explores how the socio-cultural milieu of a community may foster a sense of environmental stewardship among children and young people. Ethnographic fieldwork, carried out in a popular tourist destination in Australia, revealed that the overt impacts of tourism activity such as littering provoke negative feelings among children and young people; these perceptions can in turn translate into a sensitivity towards the environment. While debated in some circles, a Significant Life Experiences (SLE) lens is useful in understanding children and young people’s lived experiences of – and sensitivity to - environmental issues in the communities where they are raised. SLE is employed in this article to explore how a sense of stewardship towards the environment is developed among children and young people growing up in a tourist destination. Findings suggest they actively contribute to protecting the environment in a variety of ways from regular beach clean ups and educating visiting tourists to participating in rallies and anti-development protests.     

A comparison of the dimensions used by Iranian and American students in rating instruction

This study investigated the dimensions of teacher behavior and classroom characteristics used by Iranian high school students (N=880) in evaluating their classroom experience. Secondly, it compared these dimensions to those used by American high school students (N=599). During January, 1978, both groups of students completed the Classroom Behavior Survey (CBS). Principal components analysis with varimax rotation yielded a 12 factor solution for Iranian data and 14 for the American data. Comparison of the factors suggest that the dimensions on which Iranian and American students evaluate their teachers are substantially different, though the dimensions they use to evaluate characteristics of the course and content are similar.

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Zusammenfassung Diese Studie untersucht die Dimensionen von Lehrerverhalten und Unterrichtsweisen, die iranische Studenten zur Evaluation ihrer Klassenerfahrungen angewandt haben. Ferner vergleicht sie diese Dimensionen mit den von amerikanischen Sekundarschülern benutzten. Beide Schülergruppen beendeten ihre Untersuchungen über Unterrichtsverhalten im Januar 1978. Eine Analyse der Hauptkomponenten, mit Varimax Rotation, ergab eine 12-Faktorenlösung für die iranischen Daten gegenüber 14 Faktoren für die amerikanischen. Ein Vergleich dieser Faktoren deutet darauf hin, daß die Dimensionen, aufgrund derer die iranischen und amerikanischen Schüler ihre Lehrer bewerten, stark voneinander abweichen, während sich die für die Beurteilung der Kurse und Inhalte gebrauchten gleichen.

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Résumé Cette étude porte sur les cotes du comportement de l'enseignant et des caractéristiques de la classe utilisées par les élèves iraniens de l'enseignement secondaire. (N=880) dans leur évaluation de leur expérience scolaire. Elle compare ensuite ces cotes à celles utilisées par les élèves américains du secondaire. Les deux groupes d'élèves ont terminé leur enquête sur le comportement de la classe (CBS ECC) en janvier 1978. L'analyse des principales composantes avec rotation varimax a donné une solution à 12 facteurs pour les données iraniennes et à 14 facteurs pour les données américaines. La comparaison des facteurs suggère que les cotes selon lesquelles les élèves iraniens et américains évaluent leurs enseignants sont notablement différentes, bien que celles qu'ils utilisent pour évaluer les caractéristiques du cours et de son contenu soient similaires.

     

Preparing for re-entry; A program for the sojourning student

A visitor to a new country is assaulted by many changes, both environmental and cultural. Expecting things to be different the visitor is shocked by what he/she finds, thus the term culture shock. A second shock, possibly more traumatic, awaits the international sojourner upon his or her arrival home. The experiences of the returnee typically do not match his or her expectations. Frequently, the individual returning home is not anticipating adjustment difficulties. Compounding the problem is the fact that re-entry has not been widely recognized or researched and thus, little has been done to help individuals to prepare for it.Focusing on international students, who by definition return home, this paper refers to a wide range of social, cultural, political, educational and professional difficulties. The many variables which determine the extent of re-entry shock are identified and discussed. A group program is suggested as one strategy for assisting those about to return home. The results of a pilot study of such a program illustrate how it can be a powerful force to minimize the disorientation and shock of re-entry.This paper serves as a challenge to all those who are responsible or work with international students. Re-entry preparation is also a prerequisite if individuals, institutions, corporations, home countries and host countries are to maximize the benefits and minimize the problems of studying or working abroad.