Trends fostered by globalization have increased pressures for school choice in westernized nations. A review of international research indicates that policies that increase school choice can balance the tensions inherent in simultaneously educating for diversity and social cohesion, but only if carefully designed and monitored. Civil society must…

Contends that the technological mentality will lead to greater emphasis on technique, defined as using technological methods in nonmechanical or nonmachine context. Argues that greater focus on technique implies many dangers including placing form over content and a loss of spirituality. Analyzes technique from several perspectives and the…

Examines empowerment as an art education goal from a feminist perspective. Challenges Elliot Eisner's cultural capital theory, arguing that it disempowers students by homogenizing culture. Identifies three goals by which a feminist conception of art education celebrates cultural diversity and empowers students with personal autonomy and critical…

Describes the public school bias toward objectivity that has produced a value-neutral education. Reviews literature on textbook content and examines textbooks and curriculum to assess the impact of the denatured curriculum on history, literature, home economics, and science instruction. Advocates strengthening the humanities where students can…

Discusses the psychological context of aesthetic literacy in relation to E. D. Hirsch's ideas on cultural literacy. Argues adults should not interpret artworks for children and notes the implications for curriculum planners. Provides examples of childrens' understanding of art works. Maintains that any curriculum is the interaction of content and…

An interdisciplinary program for freshmen at Pace University (New York) focused on development of critical thinking, nonverbal communication, writing, and speaking skills. Two sections of an English course, two of a public speaking course, and one of philosophy adopted common texts, common themes, and cross-disciplinary reinforcement of skills.…

Maintains that historical objectivity is a myth and that scholars and teachers should recognize that fact. Asserts that the use of primary sources and oral history focusing on underrepresented groups such as women and minority groups is one way of using subjective materials to achieve objectivity. (CFR)

A study of 14 college professors' teaching philosophies and perceptions of classroom practice identified 4 themes: teacher's role as expert or co-learner; tensions arising from creating a comfortable classroom environment while fostering critical thinking; forms of change in the learner; and institutional issues that make enactment of…

Societal forces influencing special education today include expectations of programs for exceptional children, the consequence of fear of being accused of ethnic or social discrimination in placing students in special education, special education as an entry to services, the philosophy of full inclusion, and issues of power and influence in…

Alberta's model junior high school environmental and outdoor education curriculum, a component in Canadian government's Active Living Environment Program, aims to help young adolescents appreciate the personal, interpersonal, and environmental consequences of their actions. Course elements include outdoor experiences and skills, personal and group…

Contends that an obsession for competition has permeated all aspects of society, including the artistic environment. Maintains that competition works against creativity and individual development. Recommends eliminating music contests and other competitive practices at the school and college levels. (CFR)

Contends that conservative critiques of education and proposals for reform are similar in Canada, Great Britain, and the United States. Describes and analyzes New Right criticisms of education and conservative efforts to promote business values and market-based economics. (CFR)

Presents gender issues in the context of a broad definition of art education. Reports on a study of the ability of 115 eighth- and 11th-grade students to assess critically gender stereotypes. Provides five recommendations for dealing with gender issues in the art education curriculum. (CFR)

Public schooling fails by educating students to become dependent thinkers; by providing irrelevant curricula; and by weakening social institutions such as family, community, and religion. On the other hand, public libraries give students the freedom to choose what they want to read, encourage critical thinking, and be nonjudgmental of students.…

Asserts that multiculturalism is an inevitable feature of future curriculum development. Describes four approaches to multiculturalism: (1) attack multiculturalism; (2) escape multiculturalism; (3) transformative multiculturalism; and (4) repair multiculturalism. (CFR)