The purpose of this article is three-fold: to review issues to be considered when counseling African-American adolescent females; to discuss counseling implications based on those issues; and to illustrate a school counselor successfully assisting and empowering a member of this adolescent group. (Author)

This article explores the work of theorist and philosopher Mikhail Bakhtin and acknowledges him as a new voice to social work. In a larger context his ideas can help the profession in the transition to postmodernity. In particular, the authors explore two of his key concepts--dialogue and carnival. (Author)

Investigated the collaborative-research process between an elementary physical educator and a university researcher, describing what the process meant to each during their long-term collaboration. Data from participant observation with an autobiographical component indicated that there were two major themes: shared privilege and shared…

Examines both civic and academic outcomes for 260 students participating in three models of service learning courses (placement-service optional, placement-service required, and a consulting group). Explains that after one semester of service learning, student outcomes were mixed. Suggests that instructors consider carefully whether to require…

Defines Structured Freedom as a model of instruction that gives students responsibility for their own learning and engages them in convergent and divergent thinking. Illustrates the use of Structured Freedom in social studies instruction by applying its four stages to a Pueblo Indians unit that focuses on historical comparison. (CMK)

Describes how one teacher used peer review to help students understand state content standards. Students held one another accountable for the basics, then she assessed the core content of their work. To get students thinking about standards-based learning, she used a pizza activity. Next, students created rubrics for assessing book reports and…

Throughout its history, adult literacy education has been defined, researched, and controlled by external entities. Action research is now enabling literacy practitioners and learners to gain a voice through production of their own knowledge. The applicability, benefits, and inherent risks of practitioner action research are discussed. Contains 53…

Explores the reasons for using the Internet in the classroom: (1) stimulates student interest; (2) develops information literacy; (3) encourages student interaction; and (4) offers students control over their learning. Discusses two examples of how the Internet can enhance the social studies curriculum and recognizes the barriers to Internet…

The political status of First Nations peoples as sovereign nations under federal control creates unique opportunities for developing social and educational programs with revenues from Indigenous gaming ventures. In response to unmet human and social needs, strength-based approaches that empower Native people are especially critical in overcoming…

Parent responses to 4-H surveys evaluating the outcomes of camp experiences indicate that children improved most in areas of social competencies and self-confidence. Caring staff and exposure to a variety of learning opportunities were two of the most positive aspects of the camp experience. Similar research is being conducted by various national…

Draws on six instances in which students were engaged in improvisational musical composition with peers and/or a teacher in music classroom settings. Offers an analysis of the creative process and product. Discusses the findings and the role of shared understanding in empowering independent musical thinking. (CMK)

This article explores the nature of professional school counseling in urban settings. An overview of key characteristics of the urban environment and urban schools first provides context for the role of the professional school counselor in such a setting. Second, specific challenges facing urban school counselors are considered. Third, a set of…

Professional development in education has recently undergone rapid change. A few years ago, most teachers did not have a voice in the types of sessions they attended or the opportunity to connect what they learned to their classrooms. Most sessions were at an awareness level only with no follow-up. All that has changed. The move toward greater…

This article develops a theoretical model for examining the interrelationship between ethnic identity and educational outcomes. The model is aimed at developing an understanding of why ethnicity may at times make a difference in academic performance and student empowerment. Ethnic identity is conceptualized as a product of multiple levels of…

Between 1994 and 2002, Guinea implemented an ambitious program designed to enable teams of primary school teachers to become full partners in the mobilization of the educational system by initiating and carrying out their own professional development and school improvement projects. Known by its French acronym PPSE, this program was not originally…