The elements of his descriptive diagnosis of today's social, intellectual, and educational scene are: semantic confusion in social relations, resistance to authority, fear of new discoveries, impatience with experience, utopianism, and the suspicion that learning itself is repressive. (SE)

Academic freedom includes the freedom to be wrong and that right of critical expression is one of the odd but inevitable epiphenomena attached to the necessary processes of instruction and research. Academically based criticism (of our society) shows' itself on every hand." (SE)

The "practical" approach currently emphasized in teacher education is critically appraised and contrasted with a more "intellectual" approach. It is suggested that more emphasis on intellectual activities is needed in teacher education and a number of arguments are presented to support a change in that direction. It is suggested that the quality…

The attitudes of students and academic men are being shaped by changes in our national life. Faculty members have diverse loyalties but can be generally divided into cosmopolitans (who identify with an academic discipline), locals (who identify with an institution and its students), and "job-holders" (whose real interest lies outside discipline…

Homogeneous grouping in general education has systematically alienated the less affluent, the less motivated, the less academically able student, and developed distinct anti-intellectualism. This was poor preparation for the complex political, social, and moral questions which plague society today. (Author/SE)

In response to an emerging anti-intellectualism on campus, Saint Lawrence University (New York) instituted an interdisciplinary first-year course built around themes of community and identity. The effort is designed to stimulate intellectual development, bring faculty and students into closer contact, and blend academics and student life. (MSE)

Outlines developmental stages and pendulum pattern of educational policy in People's Republic of China, employing a political influence framework. Attributes pendulum pattern to ups and downs of the radical and the moderate group. Each has its own background, goals, resources, and strategies. The radicals are egalitarian but anti-intellectual; the…

This article reviews the history of impediments to excellence in the education of the intellectually gifted in the United States. It discusses literacy rate trends, but before and after the 19th century, and describes the Progressive education movement, with its legacy of child-centered pedagogy, ability grouping, vocational training, and emphasis…

An analysis of John Dewey's writing for liberal journals reveals Dewey's early and forceful efforts to refute anti-intellectual perversions of his theories. During the 1920's, the child-centered branch of the progressive education movement included some schools and individuals that expressed anti-intellectual positions. Richard Hofstadter in his…

This speech is about respect for small things and suggests that schooling could benefit from the care and attention enabled by a smaller scale. Among the points made are that, yes, all children can learn, but that is no big deal. Schooling should contribute to their education, but schooling is far from being identical with education. Learning…

After explaining the anti-science impact of the "Gang of Four," the author reports on the National Science Policy Conference held in Peking in March, 1978. In summarizing major speeches and the proposed eight-year development plan, he emphasizes the renewed feelings of liberalism and confidence among Chinese scientists. (SJL)

Argues that the primary purpose of mass education in America--nation-building--is collapsing and that educational researchers must develop different commitments; among these are local purposes for education. Distinguishes rural (local) and cosmopolitan commitments; suggests readings and other means of preparation for rural educational research;…

Examines network television newscasts' framing of stories about art and artists with content analysis techniques. Presents data on art-story types, number, time devoted, and their placement in newscasts. Compares treatment by networks over time. Examines art controversy stories for more subtle framing aspects. Discusses effects of media's…

The high-school problem is nothing new. In one of his early writings, James S. Coleman, the brilliant sociologist who later wrote the famous report on the equality of opportunity for education (the "Coleman Report") and the first study of public and private schools, identified the essential high-school problem: "our adolescents today are cut off,…