The recent drug scare has intensified some programs' social control functions. Through drug abuse prevention programs in particular, schools have encouraged the accumulation of social skills as a means to ensure success, and they have increasingly applied authoritarian sanctions along with psychological manipulations in an attempt to regulate…

Today's literature is filled with new paradigms for learning, specifically in relation to the increasing adoption of computer-mediated techniques for interactive learning. In many cases, learning may now be enhanced through the experience of a shared online environment for critical discussion, knowledge building, and the establishment of…

One college instructor's methods of incorporating global issues into advanced classes of English as a Second Language are described. The objectives are to enable students to identify, access, organize, interpret, and respond to information about world affairs in print and non-print forms from diverse sources, and to enable them further to analyze…

The report combines survey findings and data from interviews and focus-group sessions on recruiting minority group members for the private college or university governing board. It discusses real and perceived obstacles and recommends resources to assist institutions. Recommendations are based on two premises: (1) more minorities are needed on…

This booklet is compiled from all the Adult Learning Australia (ALA) Commentaries produced in 2000. Emailed to ALA members each week, ALA Commentaries are written by people in the field of adult learning in the broadest sense, usually in Australia, sometimes overseas, and designed to stimulate discussion. ALA hosts an online discussion forum about…

This study analyzed rural Texas teachers commitment to purposeful change through active participation in a teacher study group, the Reflective Practice Discussion Group (RPDG). The RPDG involved focused, rule-governed discussion that examined how to support teachers engaged in purposeful change. The fundamental professional concern of the project…

International educational exchange has been the subject of two earlier bibliographies published by the U.S. Office of Education. Prepared originally under a title slightly different from the present one, the first compilation was made by Thomas E. Cotner and John W. Grissom in 1951. This was revised and updated by Frank A. Knapp, Jr., and…

In 2004, a Saudi student at the College of Engineering, King Saud University (KSU) designed and launched an informal students' forum that aimed at communicating students' voices to university professors and administrators. Students could register for free, post academic and career problems and suggestions, and participate in the discussion. Soon…

Naturally occurring aptitude-treatment interactions (ATI) were investigated with three teaching approaches: lecture-recitation, inquiry, and public issues discussion. When the measure of student performance was based on objectives of the approach, the results showed an ATI for ability X anxiety that was partially replicated across studies.…

Collaborative learning organizes students into small groups in which they assist each other to solve problems and integrate skills and knowledge. It can be used in classrooms, laboratories, and clinical settings. Learning occurs through small group discussion, with students responsible for helping each other achieve desired learning outcomes.…

Discusses a program in which adult education English-as-a-Second-Language teachers worked with mentors to cultivate valuable professional habits. Notes the three characteristics of the program: concentration on the dynamics of classroom instruction; emphasis on practices such as reflective journaling and peer discussion; and a commitment to allow…

Recommends integrating global education objectives in a low-key manner through the questions and examples that the teacher interjects into classroom discussions. Articulates four foci that can serve as entry points for global education in many discussions. These include moral issues, systems approach, and reflexive inquiry. (MJP)

Outlines several historical cases that can be used to illustrate and teach paradoxical concepts concerning democracy. For example, can an "undemocratic" action be correct (the Louisiana Purchase)? The combination of historical incident and controversy provokes a lively and challenging discussion of democratic principles. (MJP)

A University of London (England) study investigated attitudes of 282 graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) concerning teaching skill instruction they receive. Pre-workshop surveys over three years found a consistent pattern of anxieties and problems. Workshops were provided to address these concerns. The workshops used brainstorming, simulation,…

Provides guidelines, activities, and teaching tips for creating and maintaining an open, cooperative, and participating social studies classroom. These guidelines offer support and structure to the students, encouraging them to engage in constructive dialog without fear of undue criticism or rejection. (MJP)