This paper investigates and analyses the features of a non-mainstream pedagogy, educational context and learning environment by presenting a counter-model which contrasts with the currently dominant educational project, an emergent global educational movement known as the Slow Education Movement. It demonstrates how the associated principles and…

In 2001, the Chinese Ministry of Education issued Guidelines for Preschool Education (GPE) (trial version) to call on early childhood practitioners to use a child-centered and play-based approach to teaching and learning. The guidelines also include mathematics within the science domain and described its standards in a way that significantly…

Discusses why the Japanese term "otaku" (an obsession with the information exchanged via computers) is preferable to the American term "geek." Discusses a set of pedagogical beliefs and practices that geeks and otaku have in common, which are the antithesis of those of the typical U.S. high school. (SR)

Advocates the Ausubelian approach to preschool education, as it combines traditional child-centered and teacher-centered preschool settings, and influences of Bruner and Piaget. Focuses on the use of the advance organizer lesson to assist students in making basic concept connections. Notes positive effects on student stimulation, interaction, and…

Defines inquiry, a student-centered discovery process, and introduces Pathways to Knowledge(TM), an information process model that provides stages and strategies for anyone interested in gathering, using, and evaluating information. Describes the six stages of Pathways: Appreciation, Presearch; Search; Interpretation; Communication; and…

Presents evidence against the use of standardized curricula and testing and in favor of discovery-based instruction. Describes a successful experience with a relatively new form of discovery-based instruction, the scenario educational computer software. (AEF)

Maslow's (1971) theory of primary creativeness is used as the basis for a self-actualization model of education. Examples of how to use the model in creative homeschooling are provided. Key elements include digressive and immersion learning, self-directed learning, and the integration of work and play. Teaching suggestions are provided. (Contains…

Describes implementation of the "process workshop" model for university chemistry classroom instruction. Defines process workshop as a classroom environment where students are actively engaged in learning a discipline and developing essential skills by working in self-managed teams on activities that involve guided discovery, critical thinking,…

This text reviews academic, emotional, motivational, and social learning theories that help children to be their own teachers and teachers to be aware of the advantages of taking charge of one's own learning, rather than depending on teacher education methodology. Learning is described as more than learning facts and figures or directive…

Discussed is the classroom suitability of an open learning computer microworld centered around families of quadratic equations that provides a framework for exploring questions about parabolas to establish the link between the graphical and the algebraic representations of quadratic equations. (JJK)

The availability of user-friendly tools for designing learning environments resulted in an innovative shift of design focus. This shift has been noticed from a user-centred, although passive and reactive, design approach to a participatory, at responsibility and self-directedness directed, design approach. This latter innovative and promising…