Examines the disciplinary and cultural functions of introductory psychology textbooks from around the turn of the century to the present. Preliminary analysis indicates that textbooks have been more than a compendium of knowledge. They have provided a medium for defining social relations and ideals. (SLD)

Presents a lesson designed to analyze cultural practices from the perspective of U.S. laws. Proposes a legal philosophy continuum ranging from universalist to relativist positions. Provides student handouts that present legal case studies involving cultural contexts. (CFR)

Asserts that the juvenile justice system was created to minimize the adult criminal system's harsh penalties. Discusses the juvenile classification procedure, treatment and punishment, and criteria for judges in the United States, Canada, France, and Japan. Concludes that the U.S. system would be more effective if it incorporated aspects of other…

Describes the paradoxical relationship between the United Nations and African nations. Asserts that the search for democracy, justice, equity, and education has forced many states to look with interest at the pedagogy of liberation. Discusses what is being taught about the United Nations in African schools. (CFR)

Defines student empowerment and asserts that the classroom teacher can be a catalyst for that process. Discusses three aspects of classrooms that enable children to become empowered. Provides seven steps for developing democratic classrooms. (CFR)

Asserts that Europe is moving closer to political unity and the Single European Act will promote the professional mobility of teachers. Discusses attempts to introduce innovative models of teacher education likely to lead to greater equality within the teaching profession. (CFR)

Identifies intervention practices, based on Kohlberg's just community, used at the Berkeley Academy (California) to treat moral misbehavior in severely, emotionally disturbed, adolescent females. Examines three predominant patterns (the rebel, the martyr, and the professional orphan) and their underlying disorders. Describes successful approaches…

Reviews research that addresses four major themes about library and information skills instruction in library media programs: (1) the value of library and information skills instruction; (2) the content of library and information skills; (3) teaching library skills in the context of subject area curriculum; and (4) alternative methods for teaching…

Discusses three methods that early childhood teachers can use to empower young children in the class: encouraging children to make decisions, building children's autonomy, and fostering children's trust in the individual, authority, and the group. (BB)

A September 1991 National Council for Social Studies report urges that social studies instruction for middle school students should focus on developing young adolescents' self-esteem, personal ethics, democratic values, and concern for the larger world. These values are fostered by using experiential learning, interdisciplinary instruction,…

Responses to a family-values questionnaire administered to 678 members of 226 3-person families (2 parents and 1 child) from rural and urban Greece indicate that acculturation of traditional family values differs for urban and rural environment, gender, and generation. Analysis suggests a trend toward individual not traditional collectivist…

Argues that recent trends in Supreme Court decisions do not bode well for future civil rights claims of minorities. Changes affecting the Court stem from the unhappiness of political conservatives. The emerging conservative minority and its historical development are described as an aspect of regressive political and policymaking forces. (SLD)

Explores why some European countries are much more eager than the United States to endorse international environmental treaties and the roles history, culture, economics, and geography play. Influential policymakers throughout Austria, Germany, Sweden, and the United Kingdom are interviewed. (12 references) (Author/MCO)

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…

Danish educational planning has become characterized by strategic development aimed at satisfying pragmatic market demands. This emerging instrumentalism is edging out the principles of democracy and equality in education, with serious consequences for the continued development of the society as a whole, and must be monitored carefully. (MSE)