Curriculum Trends Research Articles

Wisdom and Ego-Identity for Korean and American Late Adolescents

Overcoming identity crises during adolescence may help adolescents understand the world around them. Although adolescents may have developmental potential for wisdom, little is known about the direct relationship between wisdom and ego-identity or any cross-cultural effects. Wisdom dimensions (cognitive, affective, and reflective) and ego-identity statuses (achievement, moratorium, foreclosure, and diffusion) among 639 Korean and American late adolescents (aged 18 to 22) were investigated. The findings suggest that (a) age contributes to reflective wisdom, (b) identity achievement associates with wisdom among Korean but not among American adolescents, and (c) foreclosure and diffusion statuses are negatively associated with wisdom. This highlights school curriculum trends and emphasizes reflective wisdom for holistic adolescent development. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution.

Changing Paradigms in Library Education: From Library Science to Information Science to Knowledge Science

The main objective of this paper is to explore the changes in library education in the context of the emergence of both ‘information science’ and ‘knowledge management’. This paper is based on the review of scientific literature published in books, journals, websites, and other secondary sources and on the author’s own viewpoints. The review discusses library science’s encounter with information science, and shows the changes in the paradigm of library science from library-orientation to information focus. In the context of renaming the discipline of library science as library and information science (LIS), this paper explores the curricular trends and the changes in the professional practice of librarianship. The discipline of LIS is now encountering with the emergence of knowledge management (KM), and is moving towards knowledge paradigm. The review also identifies some factors that influenced the change in library education and practice. The paper concludes with the prediction of a new discipline of “knowledge science” suggesting the renaming of library and information science as “library and knowledge science”. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/el.v23i1.12115 Eastern Librarian Vol.23(1) 2012 pp.1-23

The Impact of Education Reform on Music Education: Paradigm Shifts in Music Education Curriculum, Advocacy, and Philosophy from Sputnik to Race to the Top

President Obama recently described America's current economic, societal, educational, and technological circumstances as “our generation's Sputnik moment.” If history repeats itself in the twenty-first century, music educators may face a situation similar to that which developed in the 1960s concerning the impact of education reform on music education. The purpose of this article is to identify possible trends in music curriculum, advocacy, and philosophy that may have developed in response to U.S. education reform, and to identify ways in which these trends may help music educators prepare for future innovations.

Evolution of Telugu Language Teaching and Challenges to Present Curricular Trends

Mother gives Mother Tongue along with cultural and literary wealth of words, so it must be protected forever. This article intended to describe the significance of Mother Tongue for the development of Education system. Majority of Languages in the world are in danger and disappearing. Language is like a stream may always changes its way, the way should be provided with modern Technology by the society, otherwise there will be no technology without language. I proved in this paper how the Telugu Language is running towards danger to disappear and the way to protect it.

Developments in Australian agricultural and related education

While the calm waters metaphor might explain the changes navigated by Australian agricultural education through most of its history, the last 20 or so years have been very turbulent. Now, the new millennium sees agricultural education in both Australia and the Western world facing a different and less certain future. This paper analyses some of the structural changes to occur in the provision of agricultural higher education and revisits some of the key themes addressed in the McColl Report, the last substantive review of Australian agricultural and related education. While this report foreshadowed a weakening demand for education places, it did not foresee the extent of the decline in agricultural enrolments nor the profound changes to the provider landscape, particularly in the State of Victoria. Curriculum trends are also having an impact on upon the visibility of agriculture within higher education and this has implications for education-to-career transparency.

The Path Already Taken: Technological and Pedagogical Practices in Convergence Education

Communication departments considering adapting or further implementing a convergence curriculum can benefit from exploring choices made at other universities. In this survey, quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 110 AEJMC member programs as a means to explore course content, student assessment methods, lab space, software, and other technical considerations. A range of solutions was found to exist, but common curriculum choices, tools, and trends emerged.

Quality Indicators of Hidden Curriculum in Centers of Higher Education

The present study tries to examine and recognize quality indicators of hidden curriculum in centers of higher education; it was a survey in nature. After examining background and literature of the study, indicators and effective factors on hidden curriculum centers of higher education were recognized. Then a researcher-made questioner on the basis of the recognized indicators was set. The statistical society of this research project were all managers as well as university experts; the statistical sample of the study were some managers (university chancellors, vice-chancellors, and deans) and university faculty members all in Golestan province of Iran.•The findings of the study are as follows:•Applying modern trends in curriculum•Holding scientific lecture•Applying modern technologies in research•Motivational curriculum•Counseling and guidance•Holding scientific societies•Full attention to learning in universities•Holding workshops for employees•Facilities and equipment

Emerging trends in knowledge organization and information organization course curriculum

In this panel we will discuss the importance of knowledge organization and information organization in library and information science curricula and the emerging trends both inside and outside of library and information science which will affect the curriculum in coming years.

Multiple Aims in the Development of a Major Reform of the National Curriculum for Science in England

In the context of a major reform of the school science curriculum for 14–16‐year‐olds in England, we examine the aims ascribed to the reform, the stakeholders involved, and the roles of differing values and authority in its development. This reform includes an emphasis on socioscientific issues and the nature of science; curriculum trends of international relevance. Our analysis identifies largely ‘instrumental’ aims, with little emphasis on ‘intrinsic’ aims and associated values. We identify five broad categories of stakeholders focusing on different aims with, for example, a social, individual, political, or economic emphasis. We suggest that curriculum development projects reflecting largely social and individual aims were appropriated by other stakeholders to serve political and economic aims. We argue that a curriculum reform body representing all stakeholder interests is needed to ensure that multiple aims are considered throughout the curriculum reform process. Within such a body, the differentiated character of the science teaching community would need to be represented.

‘Exergaming,’ corporate interests and the crisis discourse of childhood obesity

In this paper we explore ‘exergaming’ in schools, the latest trend influencing the physical education (PE) curriculum. Throughout the paper we investigate the various proponents of exergaming including the gaming industry, academic researchers and PE teachers. Our inquiry takes a closer look at exergaming as a pedagogical trend and describes exergaming's potential implications for the profession of PE as well as for individual students. Our methodological approach includes review and analysis of popular, scholarly and curricular texts related to the use of exergaming in schools. The analysis underscores the political nature of the curriculum and, in so doing, invites a closer look at this curricular trend by examining whose interests are served through the circulation of crisis discourses surrounding youth (ill)health and the use of these crisis discourses to justify the placement of commercial products in schools.

Nuts & Bolts: Planning and Designing a State of the Art Simulation Lab

The rapidly evolving changes in simulation equipment, audio visual technology, simulation synthesis software and trends in curriculum make the proper planning and design of flexible, sustainable labs ever more complex and important. This presentation will be given by an architect and an audio visual designer who have designed numerous simulation centers in school of nursing facilities. We will begin with the important first step of space programming and budget planning with the goal of laying the proper foundation for the facility that best meets your needs and objectives. We will then discuss the spectrum of simulation spaces and the unique planning and design features of each type. The integration of audio visual technology will be an important focus of this discussion, touching on topics of recording, testing, control, pod-casting, equipment, etc. Case study projects will be presented to illustrate the process of planning and design, special challenges encountered and the creative solutions employed to meet these challenges. The attendees will come away with a holistic understanding of how to structure and approach their own simulation center projects.

Curriculum Planning: Trends in Communication Studies, Workplace Competencies, and Current Programs at 4-Year Colleges and Universities

Many communication scholars recognize the need to regularly explore current communication curriculum and to evaluate its contribution to meeting the needs of students and the demands of the workplace. However, within the communication discipline, current curricular decisions are based on studies conducted nearly a decade ago. This study (a) analyzes current course offerings in communication department curricula in a random sample of 148 four-year colleges and universities, (b) contrasts these data with results from earlier studies to identify current curriculum trends within the communication discipline, and (c) contrasts these findings with employer demands for communication skills to meet workplace competencies. Ultimately, this paper identifies specific curriculum shifts and offers suggestions about specific course offerings to provide some guidance in curriculum development.

Educational Attainment Skewed in California Community Colleges?

We address the emphasis of the California Community College system upon credentials in their effort to document student outcomes. Statewide curricular awards (associate degrees and certificates) were collected over a four-year period. Data were organized descriptively and analyzed in order to identify long term trends. These curricular trends are analyzed in relation to their institutional implications and the labor market. There is evidence of a trend toward increasing training for low-wage vocations in the California Community College curriculum, including in traditionally academic areas.

Current Trends in Library and Information Studies Curricula

The present study presents an analysis of curricula offered at library and information studies departments in different parts of the world. Data was collected from the websites of 30 departments in 21 countries and coded based on the typology proposed by Wilson in 2001. This typology proposes five major subject fields that can be combined to better represent the complexities present in the curricula. The analysis of curricula in the sample revealed that the five subject fields proposed by Wilson's typology are present in the sample. The category scheme presents a long list of categories that represent different combinations between the five subject fields, revealing a sample of curricula centered on information and technology subjects that emphasize users' needs. Findings show that the largest percentage of the courses examined relates to information content in general and to content provided to specific groups of users. Technology courses are the second major category present in the curricula examined. The examination also revealed an additional and important category, not found in Wilson's original typology, which encompasses supporting non-library related courses. This category is the third largest category in the sample and it reflects an interdisciplinary trend in the curricula examined that aims at providing students with knowledge in subject areas not related to information and librarianship.

Some curricula trends in preschool teachers' education.

In the last few years, quality of higher education of preschool teachers has emerged as a critical issue triggered by new social changes and challenges for this educational level. This scenario generates a need to carry out a research analyzing the current situation of preschool teachers' education. This article presents a section of this research on the international curricular trends of preschool teachers' education. This involves reviewing the length of careers, main curricular contents, professional specializations courses and innovative curriculum proposals. This study is expected to urge the academic and political sphere to question and discuss these issues in order to improve and enrich curricular proposals according to the particular Chilean context.

Decolonizing methodologies and indigenous knowledge: The role of culture, place and personal experience in professional development

AbstractThis study reports findings from a 10‐day professional development institute on curricular trends involving 19 secondary mathematics and science teachers and administrators from Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Korea, Philippines, the United States, and People's Republic of China. Participants explored the roles of culture, place, and personal experience in science education through writings and group discussions. Initially, Asian participants tended to view indigenous knowledge and practices more negatively than U.S. peers. After a presentation on indigenous Hawaiian practices related to place and sustainability, they evaluated indigenous practices more positively and critiqued the absence of locally relevant science and indigenous knowledge in their national curricula. They identified local issues of traffic, air, and water quality they would like to address, and developed lessons addressing prior knowledge, place, and to a lesser extent, culture. These findings suggested critical professional development employing decolonizing methodologies articulated by indigenous researchers Abbott and Smith has the potential to raise teachers' awareness of the connections among personal and place‐based experiences, cultural practices and values, and teaching and learning. An implication was the development of a framework for professional development able to shift science instruction toward meaningful, culture, place, and problem‐based learning relevant to environmental literacy and sustainability. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 44: 1247–1268, 2007

The current status of course offerings in pricing in the business curriculum

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to determine the availability of pricing courses in AACSB‐accredited undergraduate programs, determine what curricular trends are happening in the area of pricing, ascertain the status of price in the curriculum, and discuss the future direction for pricing in the curriculum.Design/methodology/approachThe population examined consisted of institutions with undergraduate programs accredited in business by the AACSB. At the time the study was conducted, the AACSB's list of accredited schools numbered 443. The data for the study were obtained from the online versions of each school's catalog which could be accessed. The sample consisted of 363 (81.9 percent) of the accredited schools. The marketing offerings of each qualifying school were examined to determine the existence of a course devoted specifically to pricing or including pricing as a significant component.FindingsThe paper finds that a only 33 schools (9.1 percent) list a course in their online catalog that demonstrates a significant emphasis in pricing, and only 14 schools (3.9 percent) offer a course dedicated solely to the topic of pricing. Comparing this study with previous studies leads to the conclusion that the availability of pricing courses has not increased as anticipated, and has actually decreased.Practical implicationsNumerous papers have concluded that students majoring in marketing would benefit from taking a course in pricing. This paper asks why so few courses are offered given the interest in, and attention to, the topic. Business educators should be raising questions about the content of curricula being offered.Originality/valueThis study should raise awareness about the lack of attention toward pricing in the business curriculum. The study also indicates that additional research is needed to compare the curricula of programs not offering a stand‐alone pricing course with schools offering these courses, and begin to address this concern.

The Quaternary in French secondary school: its disappearance today in light of the sociocultural stakes of its introduction during the 19th century

The Quaternary in French secondary school: its disappearance today in light of the sociocultural stakes of its introduction during the 19th century

The Scholarly Contributions of Arthur M. Cohen

In 2004, Arthur M. Cohen retired from faculty at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), after an exceptional 40-year career. Working with spouse and colleague Florence B. Brawer, Professor Cohen established and led ERIC Clearinghouse for Community Colleges from 1966 through 2003; founded New Directions for Community Colleges series; conducted groundbreaking research through Center for Study of Community Colleges; and authored key works, including The American Community a standard that is now in its fourth edition. In addition, Professor Cohen guided dissertation work of nearly 70 doctoral candidates specializing in community college education. This special issue of Community College Review is a Festschrift honoring and celebrating Professor Cohen's contributions to field of community college education. The six articles in this issue discuss Cohen's various roles as scholar and researcher, teacher and mentor, builder and guardian of a community college literary database, and insightful commentator and understanding critic of that most unique segment of U.S. higher education--the community college. The fact that today we can even speak of the field of community college is in large part due to work of Arthur Cohen. He was interested in community college at a time when it was finding its place within U.S. system of higher education institutions, perceived by some as stepchild of higher education, by others as an extension of secondary education, and by still others as career academies. Cohen helped shape perception--and acceptance--of community college as a true collegiate institution. During Arthur Cohen's long tenure at UCLA, he built a body of empirical research, including longitudinal studies, that few faculty produce. With Florence Brawer and doctoral students who were part of research unit that he established at UCLA, Center for Study of Community Colleges, he conducted no less than nine national community college curriculum studies, 10 years' worth of national studies, and several more national studies of community college faculty. As Trudy Bers notes in her article Advancing Research on Community College, Cohen's transfer rate work was among earliest benchmarking projects and his work helped to establish transfer, in addition to graduation, as a significant indicator of positive student outcomes. His research studies in area of curriculum helped track trends in community college liberal and nonliberal arts subjects over more than 20 years. The careful methodology of these studies provides a means for others to replicate research and continue monitoring trends in community college curriculum. The empirical research Cohen conducted helped establish a base of scholarship in field. Findings from this research appear throughout many publications over years, including seminal work that he and Florence Brawer wrote, The American Community now in its fourth edition. During his 3rd year at UCLA, Cohen became director of ERIC Clearinghouse for Community Colleges. He secured contract from U.S. Office of Education to establish clearinghouse at UCLA in 1966 and successfully maintained contract in subsequent renewal bids until U.S. Department of Education merged all 16 clearinghouses in one centralized unit in 2003. He was one of only two persons to serve as a clearinghouse director for 37 years. Under his leadership, Clearinghouse built a rich archive for community college practitioners and scholars, processing 19,711 documents and 10,387 journal articles for inclusion in ERIC's bibliographic database. In addition to literature database in ERIC, Cohen also directed a large publications program that, at one point, included 24 different annual publications. Altogether, Clearinghouse published 135 issues of quarterly journal, New Directions for Community Colleges, as well as numerous information analysis products, such as ERIC Digests, literature reviews, bibliographies, and other publications. …

Curricular Trends in Malaysian Medical Schools: Innovations Within

Various curricular innovations were adopted by medical schools worldwide in an attempt to produce medical graduates that could meet future healthcare needs of society locally and globally. This paper presents findings on curricular approaches implemented in Malaysian medical schools, in trying to meet those needs. Information was obtained from published records, responses from various questionnaires, personal communication and involvement with curricular development. Curricular innovations tended to be implemented in new medical schools upon their establishment. Established medical schools seemed to implement these innovations much later. Curricular trends appear to move towards integration, student-centred and problem-based learning as well as community-oriented medical education, with the Student-centred learning, Problem-based learning, Integrated teaching, Community-based education, Electives and Systematic programme (SPICES) model used as a reference. The focus is based on the premise that although the short-term aim of undergraduate medical education in Malaysia is to prepare graduates for the pre-registration house officer year, they must be able to practise and make decisions independently and be sensitive to the needs of the country's multiracial, multi-religious, and often remote communities. In most cases, curricular planning starts with a prescriptive model where planners focus on several intended outcomes. However, as the plan is implemented and evaluated it becomes descriptive as the planners reassess the internal and external factors that affect outcomes. A common trend in community-oriented educational activities is evident, with the introduction of interesting variations, to ensure that the curriculum can be implemented, sustained and the intended outcomes achieved.