The Convention on the Rights of the Child calls for children to be treated as human beings with a distinct set of rights, instead of as passive objects of care. They can and should be agents in their own lives. Child-initiated pedagogy recognizes this by respecting children's individual and collective views, interests, and motivations.…

This study highlights the importance of mentorship focused on reflective practice during preservice teacher education and early years of teaching. Thoughtful reflection about teaching practices during early years of teaching is critical in preparing teachers for a child-centered curriculum. To successfully distinguish between teacher-directed and…

Akshar Forum, an experimental livelihood school in the semi-rural village of Pamohi, Assam, in Northeast India, tests cutting-edge methods in education in the context of underserved communities and rural development programs. Started in 2015, the school links 42 children and their parents to the vast knowledge resources of the Internet to teach…

Author describes a workshop where she experienced the organic curriculum" including the key vocabulary". (SP)

Open education means opening up to the possibilities of the many resources available in the talents and abilities of parents and others in the community. (Author)

Maintains that the most effective middle school educators focus on both learners and subject matter. Examines the subject-centered middle school patterned after junior high school models, the learner-centered middle school emerging in the 1960s, and the either-or dilemma. Asserts that adopting both perspectives holds the best potential for…

Describes a resource center of an experimental education program in which staff members show children how to find people and places to learn from in the community and how to become independent learners. (ED)

Position paper argues in favor of developmentally appropriate kindergarten programs. Paper examines program goals and content, and provides suggestions about learning environment, curriculum, and staff. Includes statements concerning purpose of kindergarten, importance of play in learning, and need for program support. (PCB)

Argues that developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) as presented in the revised guidelines of the National Association for the Education of Young Children gives equal attention to age, individual, and cultural appropriateness, and therefore is appropriate for everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, culture, race, gender, age, or special…

Defines curriculum as the systemization of children's life concerns, both deep and transient, by the teachers closest to them, in the context of the overall aims of education. Advocates curriculum based on child's experiences. (Author/ED)

Maintains that the nurturance of the humanness of children should be a top priority in their education. (BB)

Describes use of learning-resource centers as a method of supporting meaningful learning in primary classrooms. Discusses student assessment through formal and informal means; planning, including selecting learning goals and activities; and documentation of student progress as the keys to children's effective use of learning-resource centers.…

Looks at ways to improve students' writing through use of classroom writing programs that emphasize revisions or rewriting. Identifies types of revisions to be made and suggests ways to help students focus on their purpose, including self-selection of topics, publishing and conferencing. (PCB)

Defines the position of the Association for Childhood Education International on the role of kindergarten in a child's development. Provides specific information on the purpose of kindergarten, program goals, program content, program implementation, role of play, appropriate physical environment, textbook and material selection, kindergarten…

A brief look at the culture of Israel with emphasis on the role of its educational structures. The three elements, identity, diversity, and commitment, reflected in the Israel school curriculum, are used to explain the country's core of inner security and strength.'' (ST)