Presents a crucial German essay, originally published in 1958, that defined and introduced didaktik to a new generation of educators. In this incarnation, didaktik represents an educational approach that incorporates critical thinking (as defined by Adorno and Habermas) into both content and instruction. Briefly outlines the essentials of didactic…

Reviews research in the area of interdisciplinary team work at the middle school level. Suggests that the benefits of interdisciplinary teaming are clear--evidence abounds suggesting that teaming results in higher achievement in math, reading and language arts skills. Furthermore, these skills are developed more effectively across a wide range of…

Describes the process and timeline of a "cultural audit" of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, to determine ethnic and minority group distribution among students, faculty, and staff. Lessons learned include the needs for absolute administrative support, a committee representative of stakeholders, adequate time for…

Describes an undergraduate course that draws parallels between the immigrant and ethnic experience of the students with similar issues on a national scale. The students write papers exploring their ethnic heritage and, if possible, collect oral histories from other family members. This research complements the assigned readings. (MJP)

Attempts to identify and describe the characteristics of effective teaching in the piano studio. Videotaped lessons with independent piano teachers and students were evaluated according to specific behavioral measures (general approval, music talk) and separately by pedagogical measures. Includes statistical and tabular data. (MJP)

Surveys 101 wind instrumentalists to reveal major differences in the pattern of influences leading to the re-creative skill of performing a repertoire of rehearsed music for a formal examination compared to the creative ability of improvising. Uses a path analysis to determine links between the data and theoretical model. (MJP)

Discusses German libraries' access to the Internet and World Wide Web, and reviews German library development and organization. Topics include state libraries; research library networks; national scientific service organizations that provide specialized information services; funding; standards; online catalog software; document delivery and…

Examines the results of 258 undergraduates rating of each others' self-acceptance and acceptance of others. The students had previously participated in 32 small, interpersonal learning groups. They rated each other on subscale items including dominant/submissive, expressive/guarded, and active/passive. Discusses the general trends and differences…

Examines the impact of mass media on children's choices of heroes and role models. Addresses questions of which cultural messages children attend to, whether role models vary according to ethnicity and gender, and the role played by educators in exposing children to previously unconsidered role models. (DLH)

Summarizes reviews of research reports on classroom practice in the "Handbook of Research on Social Studies Teaching and Learning." Examines textbooks, instructional grouping, teaching methods, and computer-assisted instruction (especially games and simulations), and civic education through student participation in community programs.…

Investigates how students' ethnic backgrounds relate to their views of instructional communication processes. Assesses the structural relationships among teacher immediacy, course utility, and teaching effectiveness for Anglo-American, Latino, African-American, and Asian-American students at the middle and end of a 10-week term. (SR)

Reports on a multivariate study that examined the contribution of two independent variables--cognitive/academic proficiency in first language and attitudes and motivation toward English as a foreign language--on success in English as a foreign language in culturally different learners. (27 references) (Author/OD)

Outlines instructions for conducting a student forum addressing the relevance and appropriateness of character education. Five students agree to portray fictional members of the panel (teacher, minister, single parent). The rest of the class researches the issue and asks questions. (MJP)

The 1994 revised accreditation standards of the American Optometric Association's Council on Optometric Education (COE) are described briefly. The standards cover program mission, goals, objectives, and outcomes; administration; resources and facilities; faculty; clinical residency; curriculum; clinic management and patient care policies; research…

Contends that a range of theories exists in the social science literature about the effects of family processes on the social and academic success of a family's offspring. Identifies major theoretical perspectives that have dominated the literature on families and minority student achievement. (CFR)