At a time when extremist movements are gaining proportions on the world stage, it is relevant to reanalyse experiences that intended to establish democracy as a principle in school education. The School Republic was one of them, which was proposed by the Sampaio Dória Reform, in 1920, taking the New School as its context; the School Republic aimed…

This paper presents findings of an induction year study of teachers trained in a graduate level social justice teacher education program. At the conclusion of the one-year intensive teacher preparation program, students participated in self-directed group study projects in which they identified and researched critical questions and issues related…

Six principles of critical practice in adult education are derived from the conceptualization of adult education advanced in this article. They concern voluntary participation, respect for self worth, adult education as collaboration, praxis, critical reflection, and the nurturing of self-directed adults. (CT)

An experimental evaluation was conducted of a drug education program in two high schools. The experimental group consisted of students who had participated in a 50 hour workshop which combined didactic presentations and interactive activities between peers. The control group consisted of students from the drug education program waiting list. It…

Established in 1894, the Naugatuck (Connecticut) Women's Study Club is an example of the women's groups that seemed to spring up simultaneously in the late 19th century across the United States. Founded for the purpose of "promoting general intelligence and culture," these clubs were established by pillars of the community and included…

The Learning Exchange Network is explored to show how it (1) takes advantage of the strong points of the previous models for self-directed learners; (2) counters the liabilities of the previous models; (3) serves the smaller populations of semirural areas; and (4) includes an implementation plan. The practicality of the network is discussed. (CT)

Reprints an article originally published in 1947. Discusses observations of an experimental high school classroom. Discusses six factors conducive to democratic procedures in the classroom: experience in democratic procedures, type of school activity, the teacher's skill, physical environment, administrative support, and an effective guidance…

Both the learning organization literature and the self-managed work team literature have alluded to the potential links between teamwork and learning. However, as yet the link between these two concepts remains undeveloped. This study uses a survey of a random sample of 200 Australian organizations to empirically examine the relationships between…

Discusses an attempt to have students learn chemistry by conducting and discussing laboratory experiments in small groups largely independent of the teacher. The project results and the 30 experiments that student groups conducted are described. (WB)

Three models were conceptualized for facilitating student-directed learning: teacher-guided, group-planned, and individual-oriented. Undergraduates in an educational psychology course were studied using the Involvement Behavior Questionnaire and the Inquiry Fluency Task. All three experimental treatments encouraged student involvement. The…

Discusses how the interrelationship and growth emphasized by the Native American sweat lodge ceremony and "the talking circle" can provide a richer understanding of group counseling. Details each ceremony and explores the implications of practices that are based on cultural traditions, arguing that such traditions can enrich the group…

Describes a career development project that addresses the special needs of disabled adults by: (1) developing a multimedia-based, self-directed career planning program; (2) providing a training program for 15 disabled adults working as paraprofessional career guidance technicians; and (3) establishing linkages with educational institutions and…

Three large, unstructured workshops (500-800 people) demonstrated how large groups of people can participate together and collectively choose ways of action aimed at satisfying all. Particular significance given to participants' shift away from looking for outside sources of answers, values and standards to discovery of strengths and answers…

This case study examines a 2-year faculty-centered professional development program for high school teachers. The program, which used a Foxfire approach (Wigginton, 1986) and was based on Deweyan principles (Dewey, 1963), involved having the teachers initiate, pursue, and share self-selected, independent group learning projects. Inservice sessions…

Attempts to differentiate the characteristics of courses that involve token empowerment from those that involve deeper empowerment. Describes a course where students role-played the part of consultants involved in group work involving global issues. Includes a chart that outlines the components of token and deep empowerment. (MJP)