This document is an English-language abstract (approximately 1,500 words) of a book that forms part of a series of monographs compiled by the Principles of Pedagogy Section of the Institute of the Theory and History of Pedagogy of the Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of the USSR. It gives a comprehensive picture of the history, main categories,…

A multidisciplinary analysis of education in the USSR is used to clarify the overall working of the educational process by highlighting one of its essential components--teaching methods. These methods are considered from the standpoint of the dialectic which brings together teaching and learning and underlies the teacher/pupil relationship. In the…

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)

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…

Reports on ideas discussed at the second meeting of experimental teachers held in the Soviet Union in 1987. Considers teaching innovations that promote student development and seek cooperative teacher-student relationships, while serving social production needs. Emphasizes student creativity and personal responsibility. Builds from earlier work on…

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…