Describes a walkabout program that a sixth-grade teacher developed for her students from several models designed for older students. The program's basic structure revolves around five areas of personal development: adventure, creative expression, local inquiry, practical skills, and service. This voluntary program's success hinges on developing…

Discusses four contemporary artists who use oral history in their art: Peggy Diggs, Tomie Arai, Sheila De Brettville, and Jackie Brookner. Argues that their use of oral history is empowering because it is sensitive to the relationship between researcher/artist and narrator. Outlines implications of using oral history in art education. (Author/PAL)

A student staff inquiry project in one university's department of health education assessed the motivation and satisfaction of student staff and peer educators. Students created interview tools, collected and analyzed data, and developed recommendations. Through this student-driven process, several themes emerged (the need for more department…

Interviews with 35 students who participated in student-led Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings confirmed that students were able to describe the purpose and benefits of an IEP, their disabilities, and their rights. Observation of student participation in IEP meetings for five students verified that all participated throughout their…

The following categories of research on choice behavior of individuals with severe developmental disabilities are reviewed: assessing their choice making, building choice opportunities in daily contexts, and evaluating the effects of choice making. Research suggests that most people with severe developmental disabilities are capable of making…

Describes Project Friends, a mixed-age classroom of kindergartners, first graders, and second graders, including its beginnings, significant features (such as use of integrated thematic curriculum and "clubs"), and outcomes. Asserts that the program has empowered children for learning and encouraged helping relationships among children.…

Examines uses of humor in middle level classrooms and relationships between humor and effective teaching. Suggests that, with the incorporation of humor into the classroom to facilitate rapport building, student empowerment, creative thinking, attention, self-esteem, and socialization, middle-level teachers have the power to become the genesis for…

Reports findings, based on a two-year study, of a collaborative effort to develop a learning-centered curriculum which would result in an inviting learning-centered classroom community. Supports the tenet that effective programs feature knowledgeable teachers who have the expertise and inclination to encourage all children to succeed. (RJM)

Describes a theoretically and empirically based groupwork approach designed to meet the unique needs of high-risk, inner- city parents and thereby provide effective mental health services. Provides a summary of the clinical issues and needs identified by group members, and recommendations for the development of innovative approaches to serve urban…

A study examined the effect of self-determination contracts for 8 students (ages 9-10) with severe emotional/behavioral problems. Students completed daily self-determination contracts to schedule their work, plan for work outcomes, evaluate progress, and adjust for the next day's activity. Pre- and post-assessment found significant academic…

A multi-centric model of education is proposed that actively works to de-center dominant Eurocentric knowledge and incorporate other worldviews throughout all aspects of teaching and learning. The model has four primary learning objectives: integrating multiple centers of knowledge, affecting social and educational change, recognizing and…

Examines the relationship between English primary teachers' professional autonomy and the increasing managerial control over teachers' work. Explores how teachers develop an understanding of the managerial culture in education and how they reconciled it with their ideas on teaching and learning, professional interest, and career aspirations.…

Investigated how home and school factors affected the education of Mong students. Data from interviews with elementary students, teachers, and parents indicated that Mong families had high expectations for their children. Students' negative schooling experiences were exacerbated by the mismatch between home and school cultures, misconceptions and…

Contends that failing to learn to write and read in the early years results in more special education placement, retention, and poor self-esteem for the learner than any other cause. Proposes that computer technology may have many benefits for children with such learning difficulties, including motivational aspects and developing fine motor…

Relational aggression occurs when social relationships are used to harm peers. It can be as harmful as physical aggression, is more common in girls than in boys, and usually peaks in middle school years. In programs of the Ophelia Project, high school students make younger girls aware of relational aggression and how to stop it, and present…