People often think that power only flows downhill in school. The author draws on his own research observations, as well as the philosophy of Michel Foucault, to offer more nuanced insights. He explains that power is not a "thing" people can possess and that it flows in multiple directions, forming a web of influence. These insights…

Cynthia Coburn and Erica Turner have made an important contribution by developing a framework to synthesize the various strands of research and theory related to data use in schools. The framework illustrates the complexity of the pathways between the adoption of a data-use intervention and the attainment of desired outcomes, and it clarifies the…

In this paper I take up Peters' invitation to think of education in terms of initiation. I argue that the concept of initiation demands much closer scrutiny and analysis in order to provide a substantive thesis about education. A key challenge concerns how we conceive of the initiate. The very idea of initiation suggests that, in some interesting…

What can be learned from two films with "rock" and "school" in their titles, about rock in school and about music and schooling more broadly? "School of Rock" (2003), a "family comedy," and "Rock School" (2005), a documentary, provoke a range of questions, ideological and otherwise, surrounding the inclusion of rock in formal instructional…

Four issues to be considered when critiquing the use of portfolio assessment are (1) change in teacher and learner status, (2) problematic nature of teacher authority, (3) what counts as work products in a portfolio, and (4) effect of the educational environment on the freedom of choice that portfolio assessment entails. (JOW)

Describes what the author means by "making the student the star" by relating several unforgettable moments from his tutoring experience. Describes how these moments helped him understand what separates meaningful, effective learning environments from ineffective, frivolous ones. Concludes by describing some interactive design techniques he has…

If they are to enlisted to help reduce vandalism, student council members must receive accurate information and learn that vandalism is costly, that common sense doesn't provide all the answers concerning it, and that the public's reaction to vandalism cannot be predicted accurately. (MJL)

Presents a model of teachers as managers of self-directed and interactive learning, which promotes independence, interaction, communication, leadership, teamwork, conflict resolution, and responsibility for one's own work and continued learning. Teachers' roles include managing the overall program, task, group, individual development, and the…

This discussion of the potential roles of learners and instructors as they affect the learning environment argues that the roles of teachers and learners are the key issues rather than learning styles. It begins by discussing the roles of learners as receivers, detectives (problem solvers), generators (developers of new ideas), and facilitators…

Discusses the ways in which the Project on High Performance Learning Communities helps middle school educators understand what happens in school reform between the implementation of the "Turning Points" recommendations and student outcomes. Discusses the role of school environment, teachers, and students in academic performance. (JPB)

Discusses differences between instructional efficiency and instructional effectiveness, and proposes that environmental analysis should be incorporated into the front-end analysis stage of instructional design to increase instructional success. Highlights include the teachers' role; the students' role; physical aspects; use aspects; and management…

Inoue [Inoue, A. B. (2005). "Community-based assessment pedagogy." "Assessing Writing: An International Journal, 3", 208-238] sets up a radically experimental writing class as a kind of laboratory of assessment. He seeks to avoid the standard situation where a teacher unilaterally assesses and grades student writing, using only his or her own…

A conceptual analysis deals with the question of what is meant by the term "teaching." In other words, what are the necessary criteria of teaching? Criterion 1 is that there be someone in authority to fulfill the role of the teacher. Criterion 2 insists that someone fulfill the role of pupil. These patently obvious criteria are not…

A subjective approach to the views of pupils is a prerequisite for understanding teaching and learning processes in the school. (Author)

Discusses ways to empower student learning in middle schools by providing learning environments that encourage student input, influence, and responsibility; respect cultural pluralism; and engineer congruence between the content and methods of instruction and students' life experiences and cognitive styles. (JPB)