Discusses three books on Zen and writing that (1) question assumptions of Western discourse and literacy practices; (2) offer ideas to help individual writers unearth their creative energy and potential; (3) advocate alternative discursive practices; (4) discuss possibilities of an embodied literacy predicated on kindness and compassion; and (5)…

Warns against tendencies in educational circles to make lists but not check them twice. Discusses Denny Taylor's "Learning Denied" and Bart Kosko's "Fuzzy Thinking: The New Science of Fuzzy Logic," as well as seven education articles. (SR)

Provides reviews and critical analyses of "Capitalist Schools: Explanation and Ethics in Radical Studies of Schooling," by Daniel P. Liston, and "Teacher Education and the Social Conditions of Schooling," by Daniel P. Liston and Kenneth M. Zeichner. Indicates that both books call for critical inspection of current educational models. (15…

Reviews three books that critique and compare the ideas of Gramsci and Freire: "Revolutionary Social Transformation: Democratic Hopes, Political Possibilities and Critical Education" (Paula Allman); "Radical Heroes: Gramsci, Freire and the Politics of Adult Education" (Diana Coben); and "Gramsci, Freire and Adult…

The effective schools movement, explored by P. Coleman and L. LaRoque, has not brought about meaningful change in education because advocates assume that there are norms and values on which all can agree. It is argued that these themes are at odds with the real world. (SLD)

Reviews a book that suggests that customary educational practices are in direct conflict with principles of human learning and development. Suggests that experiential learning can correct deficiencies of traditional schooling by promoting genuine understanding and relevance for students. (LP)

Reviews "The Quality School Teacher," by William Glasser, which addresses how teachers can implement control theory in the classroom to help students meet their basic needs and choose to do quality school work. Notes similarities and differences between Glasser's approach and both the Foxfire approach and democratic practice in the…

Reviews "Quality Work with Young People" (John Huskins, 1996) and other writings of the 1990s concerned with outdoor adventure education, youth work, "risk," and risk management. Compares these works with those of the 1970s. Criticizes deterministic trends in adventure education "interventions" and the present-day…

Reviews Marshak's book describing the work of educators Maria Montessori, Rudolf Steiner, Aurobindo Ghose, and Inayat Khan. Maintains that the book gives clear, concise information on each educator and presents a common vision for children and their education; also maintains that it gives theoretical and practical information and discusses…

Maintains that the studies presented in this collection combine cultural with political analyses to illuminate educational processes. Elaborates on the key constructs, including contextualization with agency, sociopolitical dynamics in designing school practices, and personal self-definition in relation to sociocultural context. (Author/KB)

Reviews "Look to the Mountain: An Ecology of Indigenous Education," a book that provides a philosophic basis for American Indian education that stresses culture, spirituality, environmental education, and the importance of "visioning" or looking to the future. Includes an outline for an indigenous science curriculum. (LP)

Considers "The Culture of Disbelief" (Stephen Carter) and "Educating for Intelligent Belief or Unbelief" (Nel Noddings) and how to incorporate religious issues in public school education in light of the persistent religiosity of Americans, a current discomfort with religious issues in public forums, and strong emerging conflicts whose effects are…