Woocher's vision for Reinventing Jewish Education for the 21st Century is clear, compelling, and convincing. The author agrees with Woocher's overarching analysis and deeply believes that profound change is necessary. At the same time, he wants to call for a note of caution related to Woocher's emphasis on the learner at the center. Within the…

Adult educators are faced with a dilemma which lies between the traditional design and use of the curriculum with its aims and objectives as a system of control and the natural freedom of the more highly motivated and articulate adult student/consumer. (SK)

The author argues that, in "Emile," Rousseau does not present an educational system which glorifies the individual, but one which actively suppresses individuality in order to create perfect citizens for Rousseau's perfect society. He compares and contrasts Rousseau's educational design to that of B. F. Skinner. (SJL)

Discusses the dilemma posed by critics who want public secondary schools to forego specialization, fragmentation, and individualization and institute higher standards, better behavior, a narrower definition of what constitutes an education, and a heavy emphasis on communality. (Author/WD)

Remarks are made on learning objectives in teaching manuals for second language instruction. These issues are addressed: goals of communication, factors in the communicative situation, the intention behind the expression, focusing on the students, relating content to student experience, and the importance of these factors in learning objectives.…

Describes educational and philosophical foundations of the Carolina Friends Middle School, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, which blends a conception of adolescent development with Quaker beliefs to create a community that values contributions of young people and the ideals of cooperation, responsibility, and communication. Considers the school as a…

Explores how the middle school concept is designed to make two seemingly contradictory goals compatible, those of providing a common core curriculum while meeting individual needs. Suggests that, similar to team sports or musical groups, it is possible to allow students to exercise personalized choices of how to meet the common objectives of the…

By blending elements of inquiry with the components of portfolios, learning and thinking in teacher preparation courses can be extended and possible tensions between "covering content" and allowing "open-ended investigation" can be mitigated. Over the years, the author mused about how she might nudge graduate students in her…

Observes that elementary school social studies programs should broaden awareness of other peoples and cultures. Argues that commercial textbooks and programs seldom transmit the attitudes, respect, and feeling of humanness that comes from a child-centered, activity-oriented, interdisciplinary approach to the study of a country. Describes a first…

A model for a more student-centered research university is proposed, a central feature of which is the student-centered course, designed to be less faculty-focused and to have more impact on student learning. Ten key actions needed to create this institutional form are outlined. Common faculty objections to the model are also discussed. (MSE)

Literacy teachers might find social theories instructive in understanding how literacy skills and job market preparation have become a literacy for control. To educate students to the best of their abilities, teachers must move beyond the unquestioned authority of the text, the canon, and the power relations that are constructed in status quo…

Presents a brief history of early childhood education in Poland and changes occurring in the 1990s. Outlines the government's minimum standards for kindergarten education, including aspects of child development that are considered crucial, and ways in which classroom practices have become more child responsive. Discusses the roles of religion,…

A study examined the extent to which college level forensics coaches incorporate appraisal techniques into the forensics setting. A survey, based on a review of organizational literature, was distributed to coaches at a midwestern forensics tournament. Thirty-five surveys were distributed and 17 were returned for a response rate of 48%. The survey…

Following an overview of various theories of learning and of philosophies of education, this paper explores how to develop a culture-critical geography curriculum at any grade level. A culture-critical philosophy of education attaches particular importance to the dialogue between teacher and pupil and aims toward broadening and deepening the…

This paper explores the use of the long-term project as an educational tool in early childhood classrooms. In particular, it focuses on the way in which long-term projects can reflect John Dewey's notion of the "dynamic aim" as a primary force in education. In "Democracy and Education," Dewey suggests that when teaching is…