This paper locates the phenomenon of self-managing schools within the framework of "fast capitalism" and identifies themes of organization central to fast capitalism, which are argued to also underpin the self-managing schools. "Fast capitalism" refers to the rapidly intensified integration of regionalized productive activities into the global…

Increasingly, the concern for working in a socially responsible way has become an issue not only in the United States but internationally as well. One recurring theme in professionalized adult education today in the United States is learning for earning. The options for being socially relevant in 1996 seem to be in stark relief. Learning for…

Current histories of adult education trace it back to the early part of the 20th century. They share several assumptions: (1) "modern" adult education started early in this century; (2) antecedents go back to early European colonization of North America--but ignore Spanish colonizers; (3) the movement is exclusively Eurocentric, seeing no…

This conference presentation is offered as a prolegomenon, or introduction, to a paper and research project. The issues of whether prolegomena are modernist explanatory devices and whether postmodern prolegomena are possible are discussed. The paper proposes a research inquiry into "postmodern teaching" initiated through the metaphor of…

These proceedings include the following papers: "Reason and Romance in Argument and Conversation" (Margaret Buchman); "Conversation as a Romance of Reason: A Response to Margret Buchman" (James W. Garrison); "In Search of a Calling" (Thomas Buford); "Listening for the Call: A Response to Thomas Buford" (Peter Carbone); "Some Reconceptions in…

Many recent authors have examined the new role that Writing-Across-the-Curriculum (WAC) programs are playing in the rethinking of academic culture and discourse at contemporary universities. In this essay, the author argues that the WAC movement is centered on an understanding of knowledge as being intertextual, interdisciplinary, dialogical,…

This book uses critical theory analysis to understand the culture of the university and how it affects the educational plans of adults. The six chapters of the book depict the areas in which adult students are victimized by academic culture. Chapter 1 provides the study's research question and investigative methodology. Chapter 2 defines the…

This paper presents a postmodern feminist conceptual framework for policy development within educational institutions. It first outlines major concepts of postmodern feminism, after which it begins to focus specifically on postmodern feminism and education. The paper contends that a goal of all educators should be to provide an educational…

Comparative education is late in addressing postmodern issues because of its traditional theoretical orientation and focus on practice and policy. Ideal-typical models illustrate how "modern" educational goals based on notions of national culture and a social contract are being replaced by postmodern emphases on efficiency and…

Emergence of global communications networks raises questions about the nature of pluralism, community, delivery of education, construction of knowledge, and role of comparative educators in a postindustrial world. Ownership, access, and definition and distribution of knowledge will become major policy issues. Networking experiences in telemedicine…

Argues that science may be presented as a continuing effort to improve existing knowledge. Analyzes a three-month discourse by sixth graders, showing that the basic commitments enabling scientific progress can be realized in elementary schools. Suggests that people need to be able to move freely between scientific and other modes of thought to be…

A different way of conceptualizing the practice of student affairs is described. Benefits of a critical cultural perspective for student affairs practitioners are considered. The work of educators who seek to transform institutional cultures and establish an ethic of care and democratic principles as central organizing concepts is examined.…

This paper discusses the problems encountered in a school-university collaborative effort to educate new teachers, examining differences between the norms and practices of schools and universities and viewing the issue from the perspectives of the postmodern theories of deconstruction and feminism. (SM)

Asserts that most representations of non-Western cultures are inherently tainted with Eurocentric and colonialist precepts. Argues for, and describes, a variety of strategies to deconstruct these perceptions. Maintains that issues of ethnicity, inclusion, and difference are more complex than normally thought. (MJP)

This paper considers nonempirical trends in Western thought and applies them to special education. Critical theory, postmodernism (a world view), and narrative as a form of interpretive research are introduced. A discussion and accompanying table identify characteristics of good qualitative research. (DB)