Although research on argumentativeness appears to confirm the centuries-old "commonsense knowledge" that successful arguers enjoy arguing and are adept at remaining "cool and rational" during an argument, the empirical research itself is based on normative assumptions that underlie this Cartesian "commonsense…

Addresses the challenges of communication research and calls for scholars to evaluate their theories in the crucible of applied communication settings by testing and scholarship. (NKA)

Attempts to bring Elsey's methodology in "Social Perspectives on Adult Education" to bear on aspects related to adult education policy and development work. Concludes that social theory perspectives help identify policy issues for adult education in Australia as it moves from random provision to a coherent system. (CH)

Defines action learning as it has been set forth by Revans. Argues against several points of action learning theory, including (1) the nature of group process, (2) the role of outsiders, (3) the inability to teach spontaneous questioning, and (4) the learning process. (CH)

Annotates 44 references focused on the theories behind writing-across-the-curriculum programs and on how these theories are implemented in actual practice. Excludes discussions of specific classroom techniques and uses of writing in particular disciplines. (RAE)

Responds to Hernando Gonzalez' criticisms (this issue). Suggests two strategies for the definition of communication as a discipline: to give theoretical substance to the central concepts of the field, or to foster an anarchy in central concepts and yet to insist on the intellectual vitality of that anarchy. (MS)

The author presents alternative learning models to Madeline Hunter's master learning model. They are (1) the Teach-Practice-Apply (TPA) model, which calls for active teacher involvement in each phase, and (2) the 4Mat System, which models learning as a combination of two dimensions--perception and processing of information--which explains…

A method is presented whereby discrete occupational titles can be represented along a multidimensional continuum reflecting a population's shared perceptions. Their locations on the continuum are used to identify significant others' influence and vocational preferences. The model is shown to be useful for explicating the processes by which…

This chapter opens with a poem characterizing the reentry experience of some women. It calls attention to the pivotal role played by those who have an impact on the continuing and successful participation of returning women. Includes a list of resources. (JOW)

Draws attention to problems for public relations theory and practice which arise from considerations of the vantage point of the public relations practitioner. Questions whether practitioners can actually develop the perspective they claim to offer. (MS)

Reviews the literature concerning teachers as researchers, noting questions about whether teachers are capable of conducting research in their own classrooms, and demanding a definition of "research." (ARH)

Uses Plato's "Meno" paradox to support the conclusion that atheoretical science is impossible. Argues that theory provides the foreknowledge of the objects of inquiry that makes it possible to recognize what one is looking for. Considers attempts at atheoretical inquiry to be bad science. (DMM)

Presents a theoretical framework of institutional choice and argues that the theory predicts and clarifies significant issues in educational policy. (RB)

Some common explanations for the difficulty of transferring newly learned teaching skills and strategies into classroom practice are questioned, and other hypotheses are proposed. Coaching, by peers, supervisors, principals, college instructors, or others, is presented as a strategy to implement innovation in the classroom. (Author/MT)

A literature review overwhelmingly confirms that children can learn economics. However, successful implementation in the classroom requires the effective use of current research on fundamental learning principles. (CB)