Dramatic Play and the Training of Teachers

'Genetically, play is an integral part of life and to isolate it as modern man has done is to destroy the true, natural spirit and the ultimate value of play to man and society.' Huizinga: Homo Ludens     

A Practical Guide to Informed Consent in Clinical Supervision

Informed consent in clinical supervision should be explicitly addressed. Areas to be covered in a written statement and suggestions for discussing informed consent in an initial supervision session are given.     

Ratings on a Comprehensive Set of Counselor Competencies

The specific objectives of this study were (a) to collect and edit a comprehensive set of counselor competencies, (b) to operationally define the counselor competencies, and (c) to determine the specific competencies for which there is a high level of consensus of importance among counselor-educators. The 98 competencies included in this study were collected through an extensive review of the literature of the past 10 years. Fifty counselor-educators throughout the United States rated each of the 98 competencies for perceived level of importance and for when the competencies are to be acquired. Ninety competencies received a consensual rating ranging from important to critical, indicating that they need be acquired and demonstrated by counselor-trainees before the completion of practicum.     

'Interactive Whole Class Teaching' in the National Literacy Strategy

Building on evidence from an earlier small-scale study of the discourse of the National Literacy Strategy (NLS) in England, the findings of a more extensive investigation (n=70) into interactive and discourse styles of a nationally representative sample of primary teachers are presented. Using a computerised observation schedule and discourse analysis system, the paper explores the impact of the official endorsement of 'interactive whole class teaching' in the teaching of the NLS to see whether it is promoting higher levels of interaction and cognitive engagement by pupils. The findings support our earlier study and suggest that the NLS is encouraging teachers to use more directive forms of teaching with little opportunities for pupils to explore and elaborate on their ideas. The implications of the findings are considered in the light of their impact on classroom pedagogy and the professional development of teachers who are charged with implementing the national policy-led initiatives like the NLS.     

First-year University Students of Educational Sciences on Inclusive Education: Attitudes and convictions in Flanders

Inclusion does not yet exist in Flanders, and the realisation of its idea is advancing with difficulty. Three years ago a new curriculum for educational sciences was set up at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, aimed at forming experts in inclusive education at university level. It is expected that students, having undergone this kind of training, will have an open mind and a positive attitude towards inclusive education. Attitudes and beliefs concerning inclusive education play an important part in its implementation. This study intends to assess the attitude of VUB students to inclusion and inclusive education. First-year students (150) were asked to fill in a questionnaire. They all took two introductory courses on inclusive education. The questionnaire appears useful, but needs fine tuning. The belief that attitudes towards inclusion consist of three separate dimensions, as shown by previous research, can no longer be upheld. Students do not really opt for inclusion. They do not oppose inclusion and inclusive education, but they do not advocate it either. This study suggests that inclusive education in Flanders faces an insecure future.     

TECHNOLOGY AND TESTING: STATE OF THE ART AND TRENDS FOR THE FUTURE

Until recently, computers and computer related technology have been used in testing primarily to provide large scale programs with cost effective scoring and reporting. However, the "microcomputer revolution" is beginning to have a significant impact on how technology is being employed in testing. The present paper reviews a number of existing applications where microcomputers have been successfully employed in the context of testing. Then, future trends in both technology and instruction are examined for possible impact upon testing.