Using a theoretical-critical and historical approach, this paper analyses the implications of the Cold War in national curricula and educational reforms of the second half of the 20th century with emphasis on the 21st century. The context of the time after the Second World War and the beginning of the Cold War is shown, as well as the social and…

Discusses the teaching of psychology at the Tallinn Pedagogical Institute in Estonia (Soviet Union). Suggests that teaching occurs without textbooks, library books, handouts, copying machines, or office meetings with students. Reports that students' views of intergroup relations were unlike the views of Western students. Concludes that much of…

Evaluates contributions to Russian pedagogical thought of a pioneering essay on the history of childhood and the family in Russia ("Dva Vospitaniia" by Kliuchevskii, written in 1893). Characterizes the Betskoi schools which were based upon the philosophy described by Kliuchevskii as humanistic, but beset by pedagogical problems and…

Describes the teaching-upbringing complex (UVK) educational facilities in rural areas. Argues that UVKs create conditions that foster social, spiritual, and moral-esthetic development of rural students. Emphasizes the need for UVKs to provide guidance in literature, music, culture, and ethics. Encourages the channeling of students' free time into…

Positive Action, an American curriculum intended to facilitate teachers' use of positive affective and democratic elements in educational practices, was used in two Moscow schools over a 1.5 year period. A review of problems associated with the "deindividualization" of past Soviet educational practices points out the need for programs…

A Soviet journalist interviews Dmitrii Kabalevskii, a renowned Soviet composer and educator concerning Kabalevskii's efforts to introduce a new music curriculum during the 1970s. Kabalevskii stresses building on students' experiences with music and encouraging creativity rather than formalistic training. Recounts the struggle against governmental…

Offers excerpts from Shalva Amonashvili's 1983 teaching guide, "Hello Children." Includes chapters on Amonashvili's analysis of Day No. 122 in the school year and reflections on the last day. The guide is based on Amonashvili's experiences teaching six-year olds that incorporated his love for children and humanistic teaching methods. (CH)

This handbook was designed to help students learn the cultural contexts in which human rights are variously defined. It provides a comparative study of five nations, selected for their geographic and cultural scope, as a unique way to study human rights. Chapter 1 sets the stage for the study by presenting activities for establishing class…

Provides excerpts from Shalva Amonashvili's 1983 teacher's guide, "Hello Children." Explains that "Hello Children" is based on Amonashvili's successful experience teaching six-year olds and increasing the elementary grades to four (now implemented throughout the USSR). Amonashvili stresses teachers' love for children and…

Proposes new directions in educational research in the Soviet Union. Assigns priority to pedagogical research tasks. Premises discussion on a growing recognition of the need to promote individual creative development at all educational levels. Advocates extensive experimentation at laboratory schools and cooperation among branches of pedagogical…

Advocates changing Soviet teacher training and teaching methods. Emphasizes the possibility for personal growth in both teachers and students through educational experiences. Rejects traditional, single-subject, authoritarian, "externalist" approach for a multisubject, dialogue approach that focuses on individual student development and…

Explains nondirective or pupil-centered teaching, an alternative to traditional education in the Soviet Union. Uses Vygotsky's area of proximal development to envision teaching methods that anticipate and promote higher development levels. Stresses humanistic approach, involving students and responding to individual needs. Also proposes in-depth…