A history is given of the internal strife that has characterized academic philosophy during this century. Some ideas that might help philosophers of education to use philosophical speculation as a justifiable and profitable philosophic activity are presented. (JN)

Describes an explosion in Port Chicago (California) that a journalist later ascribed to a nuclear weapon, explains how his conclusions can be refuted, discusses the sociology of publishing such spectacular claims, and suggests how historians might better assist journalists in evaluating such claims. (40 references) (LRW)

Eugene Provenzo, a nationally recognized scholar in the social and cultural foundations of education, has edited this collection of significant readings relevant to western traditions of education. Focusing on modern and postmodern ideas, this book includes selections from scholars of education ranging from John Dewey and William James to…

Uses the "Keegstra affair," a case in which an Alberta high school teacher allegedly taught racist historical theories to students, as a springboard for a critical thinking exercise. Proposes that we can determine how well high school students can critically think by seeing if they can determine what is mistaken about the views and…

Presents a case study, which attends closely to the 1941, 1946 version of the "Harbrace College Handbook" (HCH) and reads its exercises through a Foucauldian lens. Suggests that the exercises contained within the HCH discipline not only the student as writer, but also the student as thinker. (SC)

Based on the idea that the study of history should include the perspectives of all the people who lived during a certain time period, this unit offers as many different points of view as possible. Students are introduced to primary source materials and exposed to literature (especially historical fiction), poetry, and drama that reflects the…

Introduces conceptual physics, which does not have the computational roadblock typical to most physics courses and appeals to both science and non-science students. First published in 1990. (YDS)

Reviews selected writings relevant to the establishment of library instruction programs for future teachers. Materials from the early part of the century define issues and place them in historical perspective, and current studies provide an analytical perspective. Several publications describing instructional materials and programs are included.…

Critical thinking is not only the basis of philosophy, it is also the essence of education, the salient feature that distinguishes education from training. (CJ)

Examines the role of education in the Holocaust of Nazi Germany, discusses U.S. nuclear weapons policy and factors of psychological resistance that have limited citizen participation in decision making, and explores the potential of education to help prevent nuclear war. (Author/SK)

"Utilizing current trends in reading comprehension used in educational classes," this paper discusses "some forms of communication practiced by early black Americans and their implications for innovation in critical thinking and comprehension strategies.""Utilizing an anthropological approach, this work provides an intense…

Paul Petzoldt, an early pioneer in outdoor education, saw the need for trained outdoor leaders. This paper presents material from unpublished papers retrieved after his death that clarify and expand on his philosophy of leadership development. Key ideas such as: judgment, 20-20 vision, and use of wilderness expeditions, are expanded upon and…

A reflection on the contributions of college presidents John Dewey and Alexander Meiklejohn to higher education highlights the 1950's progressive movement which encouraged social and educational reform and sought divergent ideas and opinions. (CB)

This kit, for grades 5 and up, helps students master the content of Colonial American history and develops students' historiographic and upper level thinking skills. The documents and activities included in this volume allow students to become "historical detectives," peeling back the layers, deciphering archaic lettering, reassembling…

To effectively study the political, socioeconomic, and cultural effects of the media, it is important to examine the context of the community in which the media operates. To do this, students must think critically and develop a historical perspective of the changing role of each media within this community. The term community is used in the…