Critical thinking is seldom effective at encouraging students to challenge and examine preconceived positions. There is a tendency to use the rigorous questioning methods to defend preconceived positions and deflect the serious consideration of alternatives. An exercise that focused on the Cuban missile crisis is described. (MLW)

One of the primary ways in which young people acquire civic knowledge and skills is through social studies courses. The public school system traditionally has a purpose in the development of citizens However, the major responsibility for providing explicit civics instruction and experiences rests with the social studies curricula. How do social…

Discusses the concept of egocentrism and its relation to cognitive development. Describes the major stages of egocentrism: sensori-motor, preoperational, concrete operational, and adolescent egocentrism. Focuses on research support for the theory of adolescent egocentrism. Discusses educational implications. (RC)

Examined effects of adolescents' active learning of adult-roles on classroom climate and self-esteem. An experimental class participated in the adult-role experience of teaching third-grade children at an elementary school. Results indicated a more positive perception of the classroom environment and an increased sense of self-esteem among the…

Social sensitivity is discussed as a factor in effective teaching and an investigation, using microteaching, is described. A high degree of correspondence was found between the teacher's standing on social sensitivity and students' and experts' reactions to them and their teaching performance. (Editor/SJL)

Reviews research on the effectiveness of hypertext/hypermedia-based learning and concludes that presenting subject matter from different perspectives, in multiple contexts, and in multiple codes does not automatically contribute to higher performance but may when instructional scaffolding is provided. The additional cognitive load may actually…

Argues that too often, multiculturalism is viewed as a passive method of disengagement from moral and ethical issues. Defines true multiculturalism as incorporating tolerance and respect into active examination and exploration of cultural and moral issues. Describes several situations that require this approach. (MJP)

Judy Bluehorse Skelton is an herbalist of Native American descent who conducts field trips to identify plants and classroom activities to demonstrate their uses. She also works with Portland (Oregon) schools developing culturally appropriate strategies for presenting Native American content. She encourages students to look at events such as the…

A third grade classroom illustrates the utilization of children's real-life moral dilemmas as an opportunity for moral education, incorporating some themes from Kohlberg's work. (Author/BB)

Argues that ignoring the fact of racial differences in a social worker-client relationship does not serve the needs of female African-American clients. Suggests that social workers would best serve their clients if they had a professional appreciation and understanding of a client group. (JS)

Children's ability to adopt perspectives and then apply schematic information on-line while listening to stories was investigated in 2 experiments with 59 second graders and 60 fourth graders. Although both subject groups had the knowledge to identify errors, fourth graders were more likely to apply such knowledge on-line during comprehension.…

Presents the idea of enhancing the humane values of elementary students by taking another perspective. Outlines a number of children's books for use with the development of the concept of justice. Gives insight into the risks of perspective taking by discussing the inadequacies of projection in understanding others. (KO)

Most adult clients are in committed relationships in which both partners are engaged in paid employment, yet counselors have not readily shifted to "couples-oriented" career assessment. Addressing this problem should include adapting individual approaches to better fit couples and further related research, training, and practical…

Proposes a postmodern ethics based on mutual respect and trust, derived from psychotherapy, and recognizing the primacy of individual subjectivity. Develops the concept of free attention to one another creating moral space. Stresses affect over reason and practice over theory. Sees moral space as fundamental to the social fabric. (CH)

Discusses the use of feature films in promoting student critical thinking. Proposes using the technique on the elementary, secondary, or college level. Lists possible films and associated questions for discussion. Suggests that role playing could help students develop new perspectives on the films' characters. (SG)