Evaluation of the impact of computer-related technologies on learning must take place within a theoretical framework consisting of theories, concepts, and principles to be meaningful. The framework provides the context of a research, its rationale, and its significance. The instructional theory and technology defined by Robert Gagne is selected as…

Explores two alternative agendas that define educational practices in the United States: the "unum" agenda, focusing on developing readers who are good citizens and effective workers; and the "pluribus" agenda, which promotes appreciation of diversity, empowerment of disadvantaged groups, and enhanced reader self-esteem. Notes people advocate for…

This article discusses important principles for assessing language arts instruction for gifted learners. It stresses the importance of multiple measures and approaches being employed at formative and summative stages of the instructional process. Examples of rubrics, portfolios, and performance-based models are provided, along with ideas for…

Points out that the field of comparative education has lost its comparative focus, and proposes that comparative research refocus on variations among national institutional patterns of education. Examines characteristics of six core patterns developed in Prussia, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, and Russia. Outlines 10…

Describes the four priorities of Ernest Boyer's "Basic School": the school as community; climate for learning; a curriculum with coherence; and a commitment to character. Suggests that the Basic School framework and the principles of "Information Power" are mutually supportive in developing a learning community characterized by…

Explores reasons for the general lack of acceptance of experiential approaches to education. Compares experiential and mainstream education with regard to foundations, goals, ideas about knowledge and learning, organization of students, classroom communication, teaching methods, resources, setting, and evaluation strategies. Suggests that…

Discusses the author's personal background as it affects her views on early childhood education. Describes her 12 beliefs in praise of developmentally appropriate practice. Beliefs include: (1) the theoretical foundation of developmentally appropriate practice is valid; (2) developmentally appropriate practice encourages academic rigor; and (3)…

This article describes defining principles of inclusive education and provides important questions to ask in determining whether inclusive environments demonstrate these principles. Strategies for assisting educators in increasing educational environments that manifest the defining principles of inclusion are discussed including: promoting respect…

This article considers the curriculum needs of academically gifted students from a British perspective. It discusses issues of learning transfer, learning needs, and developing educational services. It also proposes a cognitively challenging curriculum and teaching methods that can be implemented in an inclusive classroom setting. A pyramid of…

This article explores the use of sensory training with students with language impairments. It discusses the theoretical background of the training, methods used, and results. Controversial aspects of sensory training are discussed, along with ways in which the principles of training might be integrated into regular and special education. (Contains…

In the last 30 years, our discipline has become increasingly specialized in the training of PhD students. Development of recent initiatives, such as the Preparing Future Faculty program now in place at many doctorate-granting institutions, has focused attention on the need to broaden the education of PhD students. In addition, recent analyses of…

There are two very different accounts of the history of educational philosophy and ideas presently available. One account is the work of historical scholars and classicists, and is based on thorough historical research. The other account is the work of educationists and philosophers, and is generally based on little or no historical research in…

Underpinning science education reform movements in the last 20 years--at all levels and within all disciplines--is an explicit shift in the goals of science teaching from students simply creating a knowledge base of scientific facts to students developing deeper understandings of major concepts within a scientific discipline. For example, what use…

A person coming to know for him or herself while respecting differences characterizes the author's experience of Indigenous education. Based on his experience with Indigenous education, he has found that what constitutes validity is very different than mainstream education. In this article, the author presents characteristics of Indigenous…

This article questions the potential of Outcomes-based education (OBE) in South Africa to be rational and imaginative, that is, creative. Our contention is that the notions of outcomes seems to be trapped in a technicist orientation of deciding in advance what is good and worthwhile for learners to do in education. We argue that OBE is not a…