Examines choices made by educators implementing cooperative learning today, expanding the pragmatic consideration of what works to an exploration of what we want for students from cooperative learning. Realizing the potential of cooperative learning requires examining the roles of teachers and the roles of schools in shaping society. (SLD)

Examines the difficulties of two elementary school teachers as they learn to use cooperative learning in the classroom. They experience ambiguity because their current understanding of practice is not sufficient to help them solve the problems they encounter. Ambiguity is dealt with by modifying their practices or their appreciative systems. (SLD)

Applies a path model previously used for Anglo youth to the relationships among family strengths, religious identification, school adjustment, family sanctions against drug use, and peer relationships and youth drug use for 477 American Indian high school juniors and seniors. Discusses differences in findings from those for Anglo youth. (SLD)

The introduction of Total Quality Management into the classroom is often driven by corporate, rather than student, interests. Corporations'"raison d'etre" is to maximize profit for their investors. If educators look at students and see only future employees, they distort learning by reducing it to fiscal terms and ignore what children…

Rethinking the middle-level schooling process means reevaluating curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices; addressing organizational structure and attendant issues (grade configuration, grouping patterns, and the master schedule); and examining staffing issues, particularly the teacher's role. The proof of the process lies in student…

Describes how instructional television and other existing videos can be repurposed to develop theory-based interactive videodiscs. Barriers to videodisc use in education are discussed; and two models are described that integrate curriculum theory and cognitive learning theory in the creation of social studies and foreign language curriculum…

Argues that exposing children to some of Lawrence Kohlberg's moral dilemmas, such as Helga's dilemma, may be pedagogically unsound at the elementary-school level. States sample responses provided are inappropriate, rigid, and self-righteous. Provides 10 reasons why this dilemma and its designated responses are of questionable morality. Claims…

Examines teaching methods in elementary social studies classrooms. Interviews fifth and sixth grade students regarding their perceptions of social studies. Finds instruction relies heavily on textbooks. Shows half of the students dislike social studies. Includes students' verbatim comments. Designs teaching approaches based on students' preference…

Reviews theoretical developments in science education and integrates them into a humanistic constructivist model of science learning. Applies this model to the new English national science curriculum. Explains the changing focus in science curriculum and pedagogy. Discusses theories of science learning in relation to the Education Reform Act…

Three construct scores (academic skills, parent discipline, and parent involvement) and 2 discrete code category measures (positive responses and total positive behavior) were recorded for 39 antisocial and 41 at-risk grade-4 boys. Five resulting regression prediction models produced strong effects in accounting for school achievement, adjustment,…

Describes a study of student teachers that examined determinants of achievement in a computer literacy course. Correlations with measures of computer attitudes, perceived locus of control, gender, age, and prior word processing and computer experience are discussed, and the computer literacy model on which the analysis of data was based is…

This paper discusses theories and practices of the politics of curriculum reform tested while working to establish a freshman seminar course at the University of Prince Edward Island. The step-by-step procedure for negotiating the approval process is relevant to all types of curriculum reform. (Author/MLW)

A model of influences affecting early career teachers' job satisfaction was developed and tested. The path model, tested with 250 Black and 262 White teachers, indicated that influences leading to satisfaction differ across racial groups; and sexual differences should be considered in teacher induction and training. (TJH)

This article discusses conclusions from education research and their applications to the Regular Education Initiative. Key principles include the need for adequate time for changes, concrete models of innovations for adaptation by teachers and administrators, tailored support services, clear mandates for reform's directions, and participation by…

Defines the notion of literacy scaffold and explains why literacy scaffolding applies to both first- and second-language learners. Offers criteria for teachers to apply in developing scaffolds. Illustrates the model with scaffolding activities used with elementary children, emphasizing the kinds of social contexts that optimize learning. (MG)