The influence of postmodern attitudes and ideas, which focus on the direction of theory and change begun in the modern era, is examined and their role in higher education is discussed. The objective of the discussion is to bridge disciplinary boundaries and increase the depth of discussion about higher education. (MSE)

Argues that ageism fosters oppressive social relations directed at, and constructed in, images of the aged body. Researchers must sensitize themselves to historical and geographical variations of ageism, should focus on the contested nature of the aged body and associated identities, and must reject attempts at universalizing scholarship. (RJM)

The dominant paradigm of adult education--adult development--is being challenged profoundly in the context of postmodernism, social fragmentation, and cultural erosion. Adult education's new role should emphasize the collective, collaborative, and social dimensions of adult learning in order to make a significant contribution to society. (SK)

Explores the possible intersections among postmodern theory, transactional theory, and writing instruction. Questions the transactional nature of writing. Argues that the issue of what constitutes a genuine rhetorical exigence poses a challenge to the field of writing instruction. (HB)

Explores the nature and possible consequences of benign and detrimental aspects of defamiliarization occurring in Northern Ireland's schools. Recent legislation, although apparently sharing power, centralizes power by providing for curricular form and content, promoting a certain management ethic, and relocating some key control mechanisms in the…

Examines the tenets of postmodernism and nature of educational theorizing as informed by postmodernism, suggesting renewed attention to the dynamics of education and society that demand concerted action in public spaces. Such attention requires communal identity that respects differences, builds solidarity, and formulates moral imperatives to…

Considers how writing teachers, when faced with student writing that betrays sexist, racist, or homophobic sentiments, should respond. Addresses the difficulty of asserting moral imperatives in the light of current antifoundationalist theory. Argues for a reliance on a "necessary directionality" toward comprehensive moral truths. (HB)

Presents an accessible overview of modernism, postmodernism, and post-structuralism. Describes their characteristics, identifies how conceptions of literacy have changed as an outcome of post-structural and postmodern influences, and describes what literacy instruction looks like within each movement. (SR)

Offers a retrospective deconstruction of research compromises undertaken during "quick and dirty" contract evaluation. Identifies constraining changes in the nature of research contexts and develops a positive view of methodological developments, that might create "transgressive validity." Considers notions of "hybridity" in research methodology…

The boundaries between educational research, policy, and practice are becoming blurred in the postmodern age. Ways to transform knowledge utilization and teacher self-knowledge to greater educational productivity are explored, and principles for reinventing the relationships between knowledge creation and knowledge use are discussed. (SLD)

Recounts two stories told about life in early childhood centers/schools that reflect the drama played out in the lives of children and teachers to explore the relationship between research and researcher. The stories illustrate three themes: children's agency and power relationships, identity and multiple identities, and the role of early…

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)

Proposes an approach for critical engagement with autobiographical text. Argues that by becoming better aware of the teller's intentionality and his/her insights gained from telling a (re)constructed version of self, the listener and the teller can engage in personal and socially transformative dialogue. (Contains 16 references.) (Author/WRM)

Reflects on the idea of a person being constructed through his actions, and the role of the teacher in enabling such actions. Argues that the way a teacher shapes the classroom is, in effect, a lens through which children can be viewed and visions of the educational process both shape and are shaped by the teacher. (Author/WRM)

Explores an approach to autobiographical research based on a notion of "outlaw genre" autobiography, referred to as "biomythography". Describes the use of photo essays to learn about prospective elementary teachers' stories of science and science education. Calls for an examination of hegemonies extending from students' personal histories as…