Reviews the history of consciousness-raising groups and assertiveness training, discusses the strengths and limitations of each, and proposes that the features of these two models of change can be combined in self-esteem enhancement groups. Outlines components and interventions associated with self-esteem groups for counselors who wish to conduct…

Examines methods that are designed to expand and transform consciousness and argues that aspects of transpersonal psychology form the basis for the investigation of rituals, spiritual disciplines, and techniques that provoke shifts in awareness and energy. Outlines a psychosynthesis model for understanding these experiences, and presents a program…

Describes the processes and challenges of conducting gender sensitivity workshops for men in India and Nepal to create awareness of the gendered division of labor, clear up misconceptions about feminism, and analyze social and economic systems of oppression. (SK)

Describes the rich, historical tradition of festivals in Spain, explaining that a multidisciplinary focus is necessary to understand the full significance of fiesta in Spain (geography, history, music, literature, and the fine arts). Students should be encouraged to study Spanish fiestas in order to develop a deep understanding of the diversity of…

Describes a functional literacy program successfully carried out in a very remote district in the mountains of Nepal. Describes the program's successes in increasing literacy, self-confidence, community awareness, and social awareness among Nepali women. Discusses keys to this success. (SR)

American society is deeply rooted in the belief that differences of all types--religious, cultural, physical, political--should be promoted in ways that serve not to divide or erode but to unify and strengthen. The premise for that American ideal is the promise and potential of difference. Although difference is often embraced, it can also be…

This booklet, which is available in English, French, and Spanish, presents articles by eight individuals from around the world which demonstrate how teachers worldwide are finding ways to show children how to respect those who are different from themselves. The teachers' mission is to provide children with the means to overcome centuries-old…

Presents a review of some strategies used in education, marketing, and psychology to change human behavior cited as helpful in designing materials, programs, and campaigns with an environmental message. Stresses the importance of understanding the issue, the audience, the message, the techniques, and the support systems to design a successful…

This discussion paper is intended for policy makers, program managers, technical specialists, and others seeking new tools and ideas with which to achieve environmentally sustainable development. Effective techniques from the field of environmental education and communication (EE&C) that can help biodiversity conservationists and program…

Examines the relations between the Philosophy of Education Society (PES) and various educational reform movements, noting the emergence of women as a more feasible part of PES and the impact of feminist theory on issues pursued by philosophy of education and the conception of philosophy as a mode of investigation. (SM)

Parks and recreation professionals need training in multicultural education to handle an increasingly diverse public. Research indicates that most graduate parks-and-recreation education programs do not have multicultural education or gender issues infused into the curriculum. The paper discusses the consequences of cultural encapsulation, notes…

It is important to discuss sexuality with elementary students. Elementary teachers can help children learn to share public space with people who are similar and different from themselves. This should include discussions of homosexual people. One reason to discuss sexuality in elementary schools is that it is already present in students' lives (via…

Challenges ways in which a positivist view of science has led to hegemonic discourse on writing to learn science and highlights contradictions in this discourse. Argues for pedagogy that draws on critical, feminist, and hegemonic pedagogies and incorporates affective, creative, critical, cognitive, and diverse language practices set within…

Suggests that language awareness, or consciousness raising, has great potential in second-language learning. Language awareness presents students with linguistic data so they can work out grammatical rules for themselves. Offers a variety of examples of possible language-awareness lessons, first for the teaching of English, then for the teaching…

The new presidential administration faces an array of urgent challenges. Complex public policy choices are necessary to address the near-term challenges of climate change and resource degradation which will help the United States deal with the chronic problems of global inequity and human deprivation. Outlines the environmental problems…