THE OECD STUDY OF INNOVATIONS IN SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

Under the auspices of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and De velopment (OECD), 13 countries prepared 23 case studies of innovations in science, mathematics and technology education between 1992 and 199 5. While there were important differences across countries - particula rly in the impetus for the innovations - there were significant simila rities in the programmes themselves. In particular, all the countries that participated in the study were developing curricula that were mor e practical and more integrated. Other general features of the innovat ions included strong participation by classroom teachers in designing the new courses, serious attention to student diversity, introduction of new assessment techniques, and an emphasis on scientific ways of kn owing.