This discussion of ecological approaches to special education suggests that the relative neglect of the ecological approach is partially a result of the apparent incompatibility between ecological theory and conventional scientific approaches. It is suggested that ecological theory and positivism may be reconciled by broadening and developing…

Summarizes the two-year Developmental Teacher Education (DTE) program of the Graduate School of Education, University of California at Berkeley. Describes a pilot study of the ways in which three DTE program graduates and three traditional teachers used the program's methods in their classrooms. (MDM)

The article describes four general kinds of instruction that can foster independent learning by helping special needs students learn to think. They are metacognitive explanation; scaffolded instruction; cognitive coaching; and cooperative learning. Teachers can adapt and combine these methods to teach students how to think as they read, write, and…

United States and Canada schools and classes for deaf children from preschool to postsecondary levels are arranged into three sections: (1) a directory listing program name, contact data, and administrator; (2) a summary table listing program type, number of students, services offered, and communication modes used in the classroom; and (3) summary…

Speech language pathologists providing collaborative-consultative services are urged to utilize a student skills framework, such as that of the MEGASKILLS approach, which focuses on developing students' confidence, motivation, effort, responsibility, initiative, perseverance, caring, teamwork, problem solving, and common sense. (DB)

This article examines the history of educating students with mild mental retardation and includes discussion of general demographic trends, contextual factors that influenced this process, assessment and instructional practices, and teacher roles and preparation. It then examines these same features currently and offers recommendations for…

Discusses how moral values should be addressed in schools. Focuses on procedural neutrality that is a method of values education that refers to a way of dealing with the discussion of controversial issues in schools. Suggests using another approach, critical affirmation, because the disadvantages of the procedural neutrality approach are serious.…

Explores the definitions of "good" teaching held by four student teachers in instrumental music. Reveals that their definitions of good teaching were influenced by the university music education courses, but, because of the strength of prior beliefs, each one learned a different version of what was taught. Addresses considerations for practice and…

Contends that the confrontation of racism needs an historical understanding of the social and economic forces behind race-connected or discriminatory practices. States that the real history of race must be incorporated into the curriculum while explaining that historical analysis provides a means to understanding the present geography. (CMK)

Explains that narrative history is usually the focus in history instruction but contends that argument-based history should be taught instead. Views argumentation as a means for engaging students actively in historical interpretation where the students can express the higher order thinking skills that interpretation entails. Provides examples of…

This article presents the techniques of a special education teacher who practiced effective scaffolded instruction. A case study illustrates use of scaffolded instruction to break the failure cycle and such techniques as establishing a shared goal, actively diagnosing the learner's understandings and needs, providing tailored assistance, giving…

First-year research conducted by the authors of a 3-year, cross-cultural, professional development project involving English-as-a-Foreign Language (EFL) teachers at a private pre-K-12 school in central Mexico. Findings indicate that key elements of the integrative-systematic approach - developed to respond to the combined need for equity and…

This article features the life and accomplishments of Horace Jeremiah Voorhis in the field of progressive education. Voorhis earned the first Master of Arts degree in Education awarded by the Claremont Graduate Schools after he submitted his master's thesis, "The Education of the Institution Boy: A General Outline of Policies for the Voorhis…

In June 2004, "Thwarted Innovation: What Happened to e-learning and Why," a report by Robert Zemsky and William F. Massy, created a minor stir among many professionals associated with distance learning. This article addresses many of the issues arising from the publication of "Thwarted Innovation," and in addition, it borrows several concepts from…

Since 1999, post-gymnasium education in Poland can be carried out at secondary schools with a basic or extended programme, at technical colleges or at vocational schools. At this stage of schooling, environmental education is conducted in the form of subject teaching, interdisciplinary tracks and in extra-curricular lessons. The aims and tasks of…