Children in various grades from kindergarten through grade 12 were asked "What is art?" Their replies indicated that art was perceived as personally rather than socially determined, that it was seen as production-centered, and that its perceived scope largely conformed to 19th-century canons of acceptability. (Author/AM)

The widespread practice of teaching by objectives which emerged as a result of the theoretical base provided by Bloom's "Taxonomy of Educational Objectives" is a misapplication of educational theory which can cause students to become indifferent to their learning. (Author/SB)

Notes that children would learn much more from stories if they were allowed to relax, enjoy a story, and discover what it is they want or need from books. (HOD)

Provides a brief description of cognitive styles, particularly Witkin's model of Field Dependence/Field Independence. Proposes that there is sufficient theory and research in this area for adult educators to adopt into immediate practice. (SK)

Discusses ways that teachers can help bereaved students cope when a classmate dies. (SJL)

The authors describe their experiences and give suggestions for training inservice special education teachers to use the Visual Response System (VRS), a specially designed classroom in which each student responds to every question or problem by means of overhead projectors and headphone-microphone sets. (CL)

Discusses the advantages of a technique that requires children to respond simultaneously to the teacher's oral questions, and suggests ways to apply the technique to reading instruction. (DD)

Suggests three techniques for expanding the range of students' responses to literature. (DD)

Explores emotional peer helping, whereby students attempt to provide support, comfort, be understanding, and/or listen to the problems of their peers, particularly peers with who they feel close. Results suggest that many students may find themselves helping a peer with problems, yet most students chose not to contact the campus counseling service…

To obtain information for planning school goals and activities, Armwood Senior High School (Seffner, Florida) decided to interview graduating seniors concerning the curricular program. This article reviews survey questions and significant responses. (MLH)

Describes the reaction of first-year composition students to a classroom performance of John Cage's 4'33" [his most (in)famous piece] and discusses the role of silence in the composing process. (NH)

A survey of students in Channel One and control schools showed that regular viewing of Channel One reinforces materialistic attitudes. Youngsters are bombarded daily with advertising from adolescent-oriented radio stations, magazines, and TV programs outside school. Channel One does provide educators with a excellent opportunity to educate youth…

Argues for the use of nonfiction in classrooms. Presents three passages from sources usually far removed from the typical secondary language arts classroom to help make the point. Concludes that just as the study of fiction, drama, and poetry help students explore their thoughts and feelings, nonfiction can offer a reality check with which to…

Shares American Indians' reactions to "Little House on the Prairie," provides a short description of critical pedagogy and critical literacy, and then shares fifth-graders' responses to the book and their move toward critical reading. Concludes with five suggestions for working with historical fiction. (SG)

Describes how patriotism in the wake of September's terrorist attacks is prompting more students to consider ROTC, but not necessarily to enlist. (EV)