Describes Lawrence Metcalf's approach to social education, offers a critical analysis of his views, and assesses the relevance of his ideas for current social education. Points out some of the weaknesses of Metcalf's reflective inquiry approach to social studies and makes suggestions for a reconceptualized version of his rationale. (KO)

The paper describes a strategic models approach to programing for severely handicapped students which incorporates behavioral, developmental, adaptive remedial, and functional teaching approaches. The role of the staff member and assessment and intervention strategies within each approach are presented. (Author/DB)

This article highlights difficulties in replicating the Andras Peto Institute for Motor Disorders in Hungary by establishing the Birmingham (England) Institute for Conductive Education, for children with cerebral palsy. Difficulties included a lack of conductive education principles in clear English, failure to properly identify children who could…

Four basic steps for using cooperative learning to teach social skills to young children are discussed, including targeting specific social skills; defining the skills behaviorally; designing and implement the cooperative activities; and processing and evaluate. (DB)

This article urges educators to incorporate Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences (MI) into their classrooms to broaden the learning opportunities for all students. MI theory is briefly explained, examples of its application are described, advantages of MI are pointed out, and criticisms of MI are noted. (DB)

A discussion of where alternative assessment is going and what its value is suggests that it depends on the desired outcome. The article explains what alternative assessment means, how assessment and curriculum are value-laden, assessment as a perspective on curriculum, and assessment and curriculum as inquiry. (SM)

Involving students and parents in educational decision making is essential to public education based on democratic principles. Educators should conceive of themselves as the primary stewards of the democratic spirit. (SK)

The "Code of Practice," developed in the United Kingdom in consultation with key organizations concerned with students having special educational needs, is discussed in terms of effects of implementation efforts. Positive aspects such as its emphasis on individual programs are identified along with challenges, including lack of resources…

This article views differentiation as the process of identifying, with each learner, the most effective strategies for achieving agreed targets. It presents 10 elements of differentiation in special education, such as differentiation is multidimensional; differentiation is diagnostic; differentiation challenges classroom relationships; and…

Describes the Space Shuttle Commander software package, which utilizes the dynaturtle microworld to teach elementary and middle school students about Newton's laws of motion. Design considerations for computer-based microworlds that represent a compromise between the philosophies of constructivism and direct instruction are presented. (91…

Describes the elements of a democratic education model currently being used in Scottish schools. The model relies on reflective classroom practice, includes both structure and freedom in the learning environment, provides reproductive and productive forms of learning, and furthers the ideal of democracy through everyday classroom practice.…

This paper discusses arguments for the social nature of knowledge construction, the balancing influence of individual knowledge construction, conceptualization of the relative roles of individual and social dynamics in children's learning, important principles of effective instruction, and implications for designing educational programs for…

Describes the educational research community in Great Britain and the methodological principles of inquiry upon which it is based. Explores the crisis that threatens to undermine the growth and development of Centres of Excellence in educational research. Challenges the British Educational Research Association to develop political strategies as a…

An interview with Mario Montessori explores the origins of Cosmic Education and experiences of Montessori and his mother, Maria Montessori, in Kodaikanal, India, during World War II. Their experiences contributed to development of theories regarding the elementary child, the power of imagination, the intuition of a cosmic connection, the dynamism…

Examines the role of education in enhancing the natural spirituality of children. Maintains that when young children are given freedom of choice in activities, their behavior becomes gentle, compassionate, and purposeful. Asserts that children unconsciously build the basic structure of the human personality and that spirituality is evident in the…