A group of nine public elementary and middle schools are using principles taught at little-known Audrey Cohen College (New York) to promote educational reform. The controversial approach called "purpose-centered system of education" identifies two "purposes" or themes at each grade level around which all instruction is…

Asserts that the use of multiethnic adolescent literature can help teachers create meaningful learning opportunities to explore diverse perspectives. Recommends the use of thematic literature studies and provides a framework model. Includes four multidisciplinary cognitive maps and a bibliography. (CFR)

Asserts that U. S. history instruction is too often characterized by a narrow focus on national events and leaders viewed through a monocultural lens. Proposes an approach that replaces this narrow view of the past with one that regards the contemporary United States as the result of both internal struggle and global interaction. (CFR)

Sought to identify reading grade-level-equivalency ranges associated with TOEFL (Test of English-as-a-Foreign-Language) ranges. Results of the study indicated that actual reading ranges were from 2 to five grade levels below expected reading ranges with the majority of subjects (80%) reading below a seventh-grade level and half reading below a…

Presents seven examples of integrating language arts into the curriculum through the use of community connections: (1) exploring curriculum with themed instruction; (2) promoting discussion; (3) using oral language; (4) introducing "found poetry"; (5) writing across the curriculum; (6) sharing an interpretive reading activity in a readers'…

Surveys the work of several ecological artists, describes their work, and includes a brief rational for their activity. Examines the artwork of Joseph Beuys in Germany, Andy Goldsworthy in Scotland, as well as Mierle Ukeles, Mel Chin, David Hanson, Ana Mendieta, and Helen and Newton Harrison in the United States. (MJP)

Provides concise and interesting reviews of the recipients of the 1995 Carter G. Woodson Book awards. The awards celebrate books for young readers that "treat topics related to ethnic minorities and race relations sensitively and accurately." Reviewed works include biographies of Benjamin Banneker, Marian Anderson, and Harriet Beecher…

Provides five fully developed library media activities that are designed for use with specific curriculum units in reading, language arts, science, social studies, and mathematics. Library media skills, curriculum objectives, grade levels, resources, instructional roles, procedures, evaluation, and follow-up are describes for each activity. (LRW)

Four case studies are presented illustrating how kindergarten curricula can enhance early literacy development. Curriculum components described include student choice, activities appropriate for multiple developmental levels, large blocks of work time, shared voice, theme-based learning, access to materials, respect for autonomy, and minimal large…

The growth of distance education options at the postsecondary level has led to a need to reassess how student services are provided to distance learners. This study used qualitative thematic analysis to examine the experiences of student service directors in Canadian postsecondary institutions when providing counseling and advising services to…

This paper focuses on how social studies content and concepts can be explored through literature in which grandparents and grandchildren interact. The paper emphasizes that, through the intergenerational relationship, children can encounter and explore life in general, increasing their understanding of their own portion of the world and of…

Use of a theme- or topic-based curriculum to teach English as a Second Language in a Japanese university is described. Students are freshmen and sophomores. The thematic approach accommodates the interests of the large number of teachers in the program and encourages teacher development of instructional materials while achieving some consistency…

Interdisciplinary learning is most simply defined as the co-teaching of courses by at least two faculty members from different departments in the institution. Interdisciplinary learning in the United States began after World War II with the proposal of a core curriculum covering Western civilization, literary texts, science, and English…

This guide is designed to help teachers plan and implement integrated, theme-based (ITB) instruction for adults. Chapter 1 provides an overview of integrated, thematic instruction. Chapter 2 discusses important assumptions about how adults learn. Chapter 3 provides a general discussion of differences among individuals in their approach to learning…

As the artistic and intellectual elite of their society, Chinese scholars had to be educated in a number of fields including music, poetry, painting, and calligraphy. This teacher resource packet, which includes an audiotape and 16 color slides with a descriptive script and comprehensive lesson guide, examines some of the arts associated with the…