The purpose of this study was to create a culturally relevant, inquiry-based science lesson plan and examine how I can become a more culturally relevant educator. This was done first through the use of seminal frameworks in both pedagogies to examine similarities and differences. Secondly, eight experts in the fields were interviewed to gather…

Over the past decade Finnish education has been praised worldwide for its students' "amazing" results in the OECD PISA studies. Thousands of pedagogical tourists--including policy-makers, researchers and educators--have visited the country to find out about the reasons behind the success and to borrow, often uncritically and…

For the forty-first time, the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) is sponsoring the publication of these Proceedings. Papers published in this volume were presented at the annual AECT Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. The Proceedings of AECT's Convention are published in two volumes. Volume 1 contains twenty-seven…

This beginning paper attempts to explicate the myth of autonomy and individuality and the impact of this myth upon people in Western society. Focusing upon the work of the Dutch philosopher Gerrit Manenschijn, the authors briefly explore: (1) the history of autonomy as a myth as well as (2) how the West's monomythical culture shapes human…

Refutes several myths driving current school-reform efforts, especially those initiated by the federal government. States, for example, that the biggest myth--schools are worse today than they used to be--is "utter nonsense." Asserts that schools today are better, students are smarter, and standards are higher. (PKP)

Presents three of the most prominent myths about performance evaluation in the private sector and provides refuting documentation for each. Suggests implications for public schools. (Author/WD)

The vague and virtually meaningless term "tone deaf" should be avoided because it encourages students to be incorrectly labeled as hopeless. If a student is oblivious to blatantly faulty intonation, and if his or her playing fails to improve after diligent practicing, a teacher should consider the possibility of diplacusis. (RM)

"Good" schools are typically defined as environments in which good students attend, good teachers teach, good parents participate, and good communities exist. This definition suggests that students maintain high test scores with the focus on going to college. In other words, good schools are typically exclusive in maintaining high…

Based on a 40-year-old superintendent's experience in an Ohio school district, this article examines 5 prevalent myths regarding job demands and priorities, teacher morale, new program implementation, and the need to study the whole picture. Successful superintendents build on previous experience by remaining accessible, being good listeners, and…

Argues that many alternative teacher-preparation and -certification programs do not produce effective classroom teachers. Dispels four myths about these alternative programs: They emphasize content knowledge, attract better candidates, produce more effective teachers, and have no effect on teacher retention. Describes characteristics of…

Americans must look beyond the superficial allure of President Reagan's Strategic Defense Initiative; they must search out the facts. Five pernicious myths on which this ill-considered proposal is founded are discussed. (RM)

Because children are innately fascinated by monsters, the author describes books, films, multimedia programs, and other resources to motivate children by capitalizing on this fascination. (KC)

Peer coaching and teacher empowerment will realize their true potential only when we expose, examine, and exorcise the collective misconceptions that teachers and administrators have traditionally held about each other. Myths about snoopervisors, terminators, harassers, loafers, and artful dodgers must be dispelled before genuine school…

Discusses the importance of the stories of King Arthur. Observes that knowledge of myth can provide a way of examining a culture through its people's eyes. Argues that myth can be a tool of therapy and a model for belief. Concludes that the Arthurian myth has many contemporary points of reference. (SG)

Growing numbers of people in South Africa see technology as the key to economic prosperity and science as the key to technology. However, unemployment rates in many African countries remain high which leads to cynicism about investing in scientific research. Reviews and discusses culture, myths, and challenges faced in Africa. (DKM)