What happens when children come across texts that push the boundaries of what they expect to encounter when they pick up a picture book? There exists a genre of nontraditional picture books, commonly referred to as "postmodern picture books," which is characterized by a variety of alternative literary and illustrative devices. Given that…

This article explores how future educational leaders make meaning of the principalship through metaphor. At the conclusion of a university principal preparation program, principal interns were asked to use figurative language to represent the principalship. The metaphors identified four distinct themes: (a) protection and nurturing; (b) skill,…

In this article, the author takes a different approach in teaching U.S. history to young people. His approach is derived from economics but not economics as a long list of concepts embalmed in huge textbooks written for use in Econ 101 and 102. Instead, he suggests, history teachers can do much to improve their instruction by drawing upon a…

Teaching science by means of inquiry-based projects has the potential to transform the science lab into a place of debate and discovery, but teachers run the risk of either leaving students to work too independently or forcing them to be too dependent on our guidance. To counter these challenges, the author implemented changes in the way topics…

In the paper we attempt to address principal issues of political history as part of the political science curriculum today, ranging from "what to teach" to "how to teach." Assuming the necessity in contemporary information society of selecting information rather than only accessing it, we propose approaches, such as topics networking, to create…

A satirical view of thematic teaching. (JH)

Students enrolled in composition classes may provide the answer to the dilemma of coming up with a writing topic: work--the "four letter word." Most, if not all, students have already become part of the labor force. The theme of "work" is naturally successful because it centers around a topic students know well, something that…

Part of the larger Informal Education Series, this publication brings together many of the materials prepared by Rosanne Kessens for teachers and parents involved in Follow Through settings. Contents first explore theme development as an integrated approach to learning and then describe strategies for planning themes. Subsequent materials offer…

The Goshen College International Literature course is organized around the coming-of-age theme. (JH)

Suggestions are made for using traditional Halloween activities, such as jack-o'-lantern carving, bobbing for apples, and trick-or-treating, for classroom learning. (SJL)

The author describes a Pennsylvania State University seminar on the modern international Olympic movement and includes bibliographies for several sections of the course. (GW)

Use of the Olympics as a teaching and motivational tool by teachers and coaches can be a catalyst to student learning. Ideas for science projects, instruction in sport technique, a mini-Olympics, career choice information, health and nutrition education, and many other activities are suggested. (MT)

Uses a thematic approach to explore the therapeutic norm, the confrontation communication, and the nature of commitment in a small contemporary commune. Focuses on the behavior of prominent individuals. (MS)