Examines contextual and definitional factors that determine whether and to what extent college students learn unknown words without instruction. Finds that the quality of the definition appears to determine the extent to which college students are able to learn unknown words. (RS)

Argues that literacy in the United States, more than an educational concern, is a powerful sociopolitical force. Describes many definitions of "literacy" from different contexts, including political and educational. Explains the origins of the OLRC (Ohio Literacy Resource Center). Concludes that in just one year of operation, the OLRC…

Discusses CD-ROM development, including common production terms (data acquisition, rights acquisition, data conversion, indexing, authoring, premastering, image building, replication); describes the roles of project team members (script writers, artists, designers, programmers, managers, distributors); and explains the differences between CD-ROM…

Describe use of the galvanic skin response meter, in conjunction with class discussion, as an effective method for explaining the elusive concepts of "connotation" and "connotative value." (SR)

Views on the concepts of knowledge and beliefs were compared for 54 adults in the United States and 66 in Europe (primarily in the Netherlands). Differences related to the definition of and relationship between knowledge and beliefs were identified, with European respondents tending to be more diverse in their viewpoints. (SLD)

Rather than returning to traditional "sociology of leadership," which is modernist and positivist in nature, educators ought to adopt a critical and pragmatic strategy toward the leadership quandary. This pragmatism would attempt to reveal the historic sources of our contemporary leadership malaise and make leadership inquiry more…

During 1992, the American College Testing Program (ACT) attempted to develop a collaborative portfolio model to support both the classroom and the need for information about student capabilities. The program was pilot-tested in 7 high schools; during the 1995-96 academic year, 20 high schools will be involved in a field test. (MLH)

This paper defines the term "self-image" or "self-esteem" and defines the term "creativity" from psychoanalytic and humanist interpretations. It then proposes the theory that a positive self-image enhances the possibilities for creative productivity or lifestyle. Practical implications for child rearing are offered. (JDD)

This paper summarizes and evaluates the research on the relationship between allergies and learning disabilities. The paper considers definitional and conceptual issues, anecdotal reports, experimental studies, and the Feingold hypothesis. It concludes that the role that allergies play in learning disability is complex and interrelated with other…

Offers a revision exercise intended to remind students of some economic terminology associated with taxation and welfare. Provides a set of definitions for which students are to supply matching terms. Includes an answer list and suggests related exercises. (SG)

Discusses definitions of mentors and mentoring, the functions/roles of mentors, the cycle or phases of the mentoring process, possible caveats in mentorships, and the benefits derived from mentoring relationships for the mentor, protege, and the organization. (SR)

Reflects on literature and oracy. Addresses the diversity among current definitions of literature that influences children's access to books and the values they offer. Examines how different varieties of cultural orthodoxy since the seventeenth century have limited children's horizons. Suggests ways to provoke further discussion about the place of…

The future of curriculum studies is uncertain. Curricular language at the beginning of the 1990s demonstrates several features that inhibit our understanding of curricular phenomena. Persistence of the generic fallacy, confused conceptualizations, uncertain metaphoric transfer from other disciplines, and ideological commitment make optimism…

This response to Stanovich's (EC 607 092) proposal of a new type of learning disability, dysrationalia, looks at implications for the entire learning disabilities field, especially increasing differences between operational and substantive definitions and the ongoing creation of new types of learning disabilities to overcome perceived definitional…

Provides a brief taxonomy of the different forms conservation has assumed. Current definitions of conservation examined include preservationism and "wise-use" resourcist conservation. The author presents an alternative definition based on a sense of place and a common sense of connection with the nonhuman. (LZ)