Recapitulates the theory that adult learning involves projection of value-laden symbols into sense perceptions to extract meaning from experience. Responds to criticism by emphasizing that critical reflection and rational discourse are manifestations of culture. (SK)

Although divergent-thinking tests were once the most common creativity measure in psychological and educational research, their popularity among researchers is waning because of serious questions concerning validity. Recent research suggests that divergent-thinking test scores fail to predict real-world creativity. A task-specific approach may…

This paper presents a model for the theoretical understanding of communication with individuals with severe disabilities, called the "Context times Memory model." Issues discussed include a memory framework describing the structure of communicative knowledge; information processing mechanisms that make possible the patterns of everyday…

Provides examples illustrating that the study of technologically-mediated communication, if approached from an ethnographic perspective, draws attention to old questions of interactional patterning in what may be radically new contexts of communication. Notes a central issue to be explored, that of the implications of formulating the notion of…

Defines responsible fathering, summarizes the relevant research, and presents a systemic, ecological framework to organize research and programmatic work in this area. A principal finding is that fathering is influenced, even more than mothering, by contextual factors in the family and community. (Author)

Argues that leadership is not a single-direction process, but a dynamic interaction between leaders and their contexts. Employs multiple perspectives on university leadership, highlighting five contextual aspects: formal laws and statutes; economic resources, human competence and resources, the cultural sphere, and the sphere of power and…

Maintains that Rogoff's work has implications for supporting the development of a well-designed "Practical Life" environment in Montessori schools. Questions the appropriateness of the concept of proximal development for the Montessori approach. Concludes that the book reaffirms one's commitment to the Montessori perspective. (KB)

Reviews literature published in 1997 related to career counseling and career development. Reveals that researchers and practitioners continue to productively contribute to a dynamic understanding of career-related issues. The literature was organized into four sections: career development throughout the lifespan, cultural and contextual factors,…

Attempts to broaden the analytic categories for understanding early-adolescent pregnancy, suggesting an antidote to the methodological individualism that emphasizes individual and family characteristics by using broader contextual factors. Seemingly imprudent behaviors can be rendered interpretably rational when placed in social context. Without…

Studied the relationship between gender differences in physical aggression and selected personality and social contextual factors through self-report measures completed by 89 adolescents. Findings suggest the strength and importance of sympathy as a mitigator of physically aggressive behaviors. Contains 58 references. (SLD)

Professional standards for school principals typically describe an ideal performance in a generalized context. This article describes an alternative method of developing a standards framework, combining qualitative vignettes with probabilistic measurement techniques to provide essential or ideal performance qualities with contextually rich…

Explores the effects of a proactive school-wide discipline approach on the frequency of problem behavior displayed by elementary students. Study was designed to explore the impact of a social skill instruction program and direct intervention on problem behaviors in three school settings (cafeteria, recess, and hallway transition). Results indicate…

Investigates the influence of subject-matter setting on comprehension monitoring by secondary school students. Expected comprehension monitoring to decline when material was presented as incontrovertible truth, as in science texts. Concludes that comprehension monitoring depends on subject-matter setting and, contrary to expectations, science has…

Describes conventional and nonconventional gestures, asserting they form an integrated system with language but on different levels, working together to produce a web of visuo-spatial expression surrounding linear speech products. Conventional gestures can be loosely bound temporally with speech but require across-context codes; nonconventional…

Explores the historical and social context in which leadership actions are embedded, focusing on the education and moral regulation of students at London Technical High School, a Canadian vocational high school established in 1912 to increase the pool of industrial laborers. Knowing the full historical context enhances understanding of change…