This critique of "Writing to Read," a computer-based reading and writing program, uses aesthetic criteria and artistic criticism. Observations of kindergarten and first grade classes are described; education as art is considered; the issues of time and control are examined; and the aesthetic criteria of balance and coherence are…

Presents the results of a Polish study that generally supports Lawrence Kohlberg's claim of cross-cultural universality. Kohlberg's theory postulates a universal model of moral development that reveals an underlying organization of thought rather than specific positions. The study included 291 men and women, 15-80 years of age. (MJP)

Discusses the current movement of volunteerism and service learning, reviews some of its historical and sociological antecedents, defines some of the related terms, and reports on some findings from research and evaluation on the effects it has on participants and society. The author also provides a review of several related articles involving…

At the core of intercultural communication lies the issue of cultural difference. Textbooks and courses focus on how difference can be approached and ultimately bridged by developing intercultural competence, particularly awareness of intercultural theory, knowledge of specific target cultures, and the communication skills necessary for engaging…

An original reformulation of the meaning, potential, and practice of educational leadership, informed by notions of self and social empowerment, is provided. This book relies on a variety of theories derived from philosophic schools such as hermeneutics, critical theory, deconstructionism, and pragmatism. Arguments are presented in the following…

While in office, the 1976 chairman of the Committee against Censorship of the National Council of Teachers of English received reports of complaints about classroom and library materials; debated with textbook protestors; and participated in over 100 radio shows, at least half of which were call-in shows involving exchange of views with schoolbook…

Encourages and guides teachers in utilizing direct praise of students to increase performance and self confidence, and to build positive self esteem. Details specific language habits, gestures, and methods for teachers to identify their behaviors, critical remarks, and evaluative terms, and replace them with feedback that reinforces correct…

Outlines six instructional approaches to aesthetics and discusses the instructional applications of these approaches. Assesses their feasibility for classroom practice and places them in relation to established educational rationales. Considers multicultural aesthetics, humanist applications, populist applications, studio instruction applications,…

Critiques 20 years of moral education research, briefly commenting on major developments and theories. Discusses the link between cognitive distortion and antisocial behavior in adolescents. Includes a list of theoretical suggestions for future research. (MJP)

The aesthetic judgments of experts (casting directors and high school drama teachers), theater buffs, and novices were compared as they rated high school students' videotaped performances of Shakespearean monologues. It was hypothesized that theater buffs would represent an intermediate stage on the path to developing expertise in judging acting…

Personnel management constitutes a substantial proportion of the elementary school principal's responsibilities. Constructive ways in which principals can identify and effectively confront deterioration of staff job performance are discussed in this newsletter. Effective interpersonal confrontation involves preparation, active listening,…

The Defining Issues Test (DIT) has been subjected to construct validation in a number of studies relating it to the development of moral judgment and to measures of cognitive development and political attitudes. The DIT has been found to have significant positive correlations with the Comprehension of Social-Moral Concepts Test for a variety of…

This curriculum unit is part of a larger curriculum developed around the broad theme of change. In this unit students will explore how a culture's myths and traditions reflect their environmental practices. As students actively explore environmental issues, their understandings of those issues change, which in turn fosters self-growth (i.e.,…

Presents a collection of cantankerous opinions criticizing political correctness, abstract art, sympathy for AIDS sufferers, and arts advocacy. Contains a briefly coherent passage advocating serious and rigorous formal study. The rest amounts to little more than a conceptual mapping of rancorous reactions to the current state of affairs. (MJP)

This article provides an analysis of shifts that have taken place in policy discourses on lifelong learning by organisations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and cultural Organisation, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and the European Union. The article documents the shifts in these discourses over time,…