Discusses the debate that has occurred within the ranks of adult basic education administrators and teachers concerning the practice of defining literacy by grade levels. Offers the definitions developed by Tennessee for specific reading and math proficiency skills. (JOW)

Describes a writing assignment in which students write an essay employing lexical, etymological, and connotative definitions. (SR)

Clarifies concept of family life education by using methods of analytical inquiry. Systematically examines two essential features of family life education concept (general purpose/intended outcome and subject matter/content) and of the meaning of the word "education." Also clarifies distinction between family life education and other…

The Division on Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (MRDD) of the Council for Exceptional Children adopted this position statement concerning the revised American Association on Mental Retardation (AAMR) definition of mental retardation. The position statement views the revised mental retardation definition and classification as a…

The lack of a common understanding of the construct of creative thinking is noted, and the cognitive spiral model is presented, which conceptualizes creative thinking as an integral component of all cognitive processing. This article details the synthesis of a definition and the structure of a model of cognitive processing. (Author/DB)

Examines two concerns the author has about teaching sustainable development. The first concern arises from a lack of attention to educational philosophy and the research methods employed by philosophers. The second concern relates to the proposed relationship between education and sustainable development. (LZ)

Identifies four metaphors that appear dominant in current studies in the field of technical communication: transmitter, channel, balance, and bridge. Suggests limitations upon each of the metaphors. Discusses the alternative metaphors of lock, translator, transformer, synthesizer, conductor, and orchestrator. Proposes orchestration as a fruitful…

Provides annotated glossary that identifies some language harmful to women, minorities, and the poor; reveals latent meanings; and recommends alternative words when possible. Highlights ideological power of language; demonstrates how current discourse contributes to punitive policies and oppressive conditions; and contributes to end of doublespeak…

Assesses a sample of experienced clinicians for their perceptions of the definition of forgiveness, the steps in the process, and appropriate therapeutic usage. Statistical analysis within and between groups yields clear guidelines for therapeutic and research purposes. Treatment suggestions and directions for future research are explicated.…

Delineates three meanings of technology assumed in popular and academic discourse: technology-as-instrumentality, technology-as-industrialization, and technology-as-novelty. Examines the deployment of these definitions by the Clinton administration as it promulgates and defends its policies regarding the Internet. Reflects on the significance of…

Presents a text-linguistic definition of the difference between semantic and pragmatic relations. Shows that the type of context (descriptive, argumentative) appeared not to influence language users' interpretation of clear cases, whereas their judgments of ambiguous relations were influenced by the type of context. Finds informative texts are…

Discusses the identity problem both inside and outside the profession of technical communication. Discusses components of a definition of technical communication. (SR)

A survey of journal editors, scholarly press directors, and granting agencies examined definitions of excellence in faculty scholarship in light of Ernest Boyer's expanded definition of scholarship. Six standards of excellence were derived: clear goals, adequate preparation, appropriate methodology, outstanding results, effective communication,…

Evidence of the efficacy of andragogy is inconclusive and affected by definitional confusion. Analysis of research on andragogy yields seven criteria for an operational, consensus-based definition: voluntary participation, adult status, collaboratively determined objectives, performance-based assessment, measurement of satisfaction, appropriate…

Focuses on the debates over the MacKinnon-Dworkin Anti-Pornography Ordinance to explore one instance of definitional argument: the attempt to effect a redefinition. Argues that advocates for a definitional shift created the possibility for a "terministic catharsis" by simultaneously locating pornography in multiple locations on the pentad,…