It is wrong to assume that basic skills achievement, particularly as measured by multiple-choice standardized tests, represents a proper consensus regarding the ends of education for low-income students. Educators should reduce reliance on the positivist research paradigm underlying much of the quantitative empirical research which informs…

Describes the activities of a classroom teacher and her students at Addison Gardens British Nursery School in London, England, which was influenced by, and incorporated the tenets of, Friedrich Froebel's educational philosophy of children's learning. Discusses the application of Froebel's principles to art education. (BB)

Describes four traditions of reform in twentieth-century U.S. teacher education: academic, social efficiency, developmentalist, and social reconstructionist. Each tradition is illustrated with examples from contemporary and earlier programs. It is argued that this framework of reform traditions can help clarify differences among ideas and…

According to the view presented here, discipline-based art education (DBAE) is conceptually muddled and politically counterproductive when considered as a move to secure a place for the arts in the public school curriculum. The nature of DBAE is outlined, its shortcomings are identified, and an alternative to DBAE is proposed. (IAH)

This article examines the plight of liberal education in research-oriented institutions of higher education and proposes a model for undergraduate liberal/integrative studies that is nonindoctrinative, politically feasible, and relevant for revamping institutional life in North American culture (IAH)

Considers the need for a definition of "whole language" and difficulties involved with such a definition. Characteristic experiences in whole language learning communities are discussed. A case study is also provided. (Author/BB)

Uses a Weberian sociological approach to examine teachers' beliefs and discussions about play. Teachers held differing beliefs and their actions were related to their belief systems. Reasons for intervention fell into three Weberian constructs: cultural, social-political, and economic influences. (Author/BB)

A description is given of a college physical education course, "Non-Traditional Team Sports," in which the affective goals assume primary importance. A secondary emphasis is placed on lifelong physical fitness as a by-product of the program. Topics discussed include student responsibility, student journals, discipline, and curriculum objectives.…

This editorial essay discusses four important questions addressed by most of the contributors to the current issue: (1) What is meant by "education" in the context of the current reform movement? (2) What are the social goals of education? (3) What are the mechanisms for accomplishing educational reform? and (4) How do we structure…

This critique of an article by B. Kumaravadivelu argues that principles/strategies should not and cannot replace methods; it also takes issue with Kumaravadivelu's claim that his strategic framework is an alternative to, not simply an addition to, method. A reply by Kumaravadivelu is included. (Contains nine references.) (LR)

Examines John Dewey's remarks about the interrelationship between democracy and education in light of historic conditions in Czechoslovakia and postcommunist realities. Suggests that the world often has little in common with Dewey's social framework which conceived education as a means of guiding children toward active citizenship. (MAB)

The concept of savant syndrome, encompassing those individuals historically known as "idiot savants," is reviewed. Case studies demonstrating special abilities in the areas of calendar calculating, musical ability, artistic talent, memorization, mathematical skills, mechanical achievement, and fine sensory discrimination are discussed,…

Assessment of student work in the collaborative classroom is dynamic, ongoing, and can be suited to the particular needs of individual instructors. It enables both instructor and students to reframe their personal understandings of the learning process and knowledge acquisition. The challenges can be met by planning, careful consideration of…

This overview of several programs, techniques, and approaches related to improving schools and student learning includes brief outlines of restructuring, effective schools, cooperative learning, whole language, technology, multiple intelligences, the Coalition of Essential Schools, the Accelerated Schools Project, the School Development Program,…

This introduction to six articles on learner-centered instruction of students with hearing impairments briefly looks at such principles as the importance of expectations, the interaction between practice and research, collaboration, reflection, and lifelong learning. (DB)