Discusses distributive justice in teaching social studies. Argues that utilitarianism is an inadequate basis for distributive justice because it does not allow for the primacy of civil or natural rights. Suggests addressing such issues in class to encourage student consideration of fundamental principles and their application to contemporary…

Discusses new directions for African-American studies curricula. Argues that the Afrocentrist perspective presents a static model that does not adequately address the dynamic interaction of Afrocentric sensibility with Western-dominated economic, cultural, and political structures. The African-American studies discipline should be conceptualized…

Early education program staff who wish to nurture special qualities of difficult children can identify those qualities; allow for children's expression of feelings; build children's self-esteem; restructure the daily schedule to help children deal with difficult times; and live out a philosophy that respects the uniqueness of each child. (BC)

Discusses changes in educational research methods over recent decades. Explores changing views of teaching and learning and what the changes mean for assessment and the content and delivery of the curriculum. Concludes that, to be effective, educational research must be relevant to education and perceived as such by educators. (SG)

Discusses the need for business ethics courses in undergraduate and graduate business degree programs. Describes reasons for and objections to such programs. Explains that business ethics instruction requires varied case studies, adequate teaching materials, cooperation between philosophers and business faculty, and instructors who are forthcoming…

By identifying and weighing the effects of an act on each constituency, a matrix based on John Stuart Mill's theories of utilitarianism illuminates and helps resolve complex ethical dilemmas. Application of the approach is illustrated with a simulated case study concerning the issue of reputation in a small private college. (Author/MSE)

Evers and Lakomski's treatment of the late Thomas Greenfield's subjectivism in their book "Knowing Educational Administration" (1991) is unsatisfactory. Searching for a "better" administrative science, these authors neglect three aspects of Greenfield's work: the primacy accorded to values, the moral order embodied in…

A sixth-grade gifted class studied the history of philosophy, including selections from such philosophers as Plato, Confucius, Buddha, Marcus Aurelius, and Moses Maimonides. Readings drew on fundamental features of child experience, such as their sense of justice, concern for moral values, and questions about reality. The paper describes classroom…

The principal's role must change to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Administrative thinking must shift from efficiency to effectiveness. This article presents an Iceberg Model to enable the administrator to become an instructional leader by building a knowledge base, developing a philosophy and vision, and modifying observable behavior.…

Uses an imaginary dialogue involving a critical theorist to explore propositions about the modern practice of adult education: (1) it has ceased to foster democratic social action; (2) its foundation is shaky; (3) it is governed by technical rationality, which favors the interests of business; and (4) self-directed learning is conceptually…

Considers the inherent value of teaching literary works in the high school English classroom. Argues that teaching literature remains a powerful mode of moral and cultural instruction. Claims that literature stimulates the imagination and performs an empathetic function. (HB)

It is proposed that the postmodern university, with its emphasis on technology and its market orientation, departs from the true principals of liberal education, which is the development of intellect: the ability to think clearly and critically and to understand ourselves and others. (MSE)

Interviews with federal, state, and local officials about the federally funded youth-at-risk grant program found that federal and state philosophy and goals were similarly focused on developing community coalitions to address youth issues, whereas local leaders focused on developing school-age child care activities and viewed coalition-building as…

Discusses the trials and tribulations of students who struggle with reading and writing assignments centered on the essay form. Argues that students must be shown the artistic merit of the essay form to produce and appreciate essays. Considers how the essay as form provides a spirit to be followed in teaching and in life. (HB)

Explores several "confusions" about literacy teaching and learning that have limited the ability to foster positive changes in classrooms and schools, and the ability to teach children who find learning to read and write difficult. Argues that it is time to reject the notion that only a few children can learn to read and write well, and suggests…