Defines humanism as a philosophy based on the worth of human beings. Traces the history of humanistic education from its Renaissance roots in Europe through the rise of progressive education, teacher education, elementary education, vocational education, and curriculum development in the United States. Sees humanism as inextricably related to…

The issue of what comprises a good secondary school curriculum is still unresolved. The progressive education of the 1960s has yielded to a traditionalist emphasis on a strong liberal education for all students. Future reform will be based on what the present reform movement overlooks--strong vocational programs for students who are not…

Use of a critical approach in a curriculum design course for preservice teachers, by a five-phase process, would offer a beneficial shift away from the dominant "objectives first" models. This approach allows most teachers to reevaluate the processes and perspectives involved in educating children. (86 references) (CJH)

This book reviews the history of the University of Chicago Laboratory School established by John Dewey in light of the current resurgent interest in the ideas and work of this educator. Chapter 1 deals with two lessons: the social nature of learning and developmentally appropriate practice. Chapter 2 examines the laboratory school idea as…

Profiles the efforts of the American Social History Project (ASHP). Since 1981 the ASHP has developed curriculum materials and workshops emphasizing the role of labor, women, and other minority groups in U.S. history. Includes two activities illustrating 19th-century social history. (MJP)