Describes the philosophy and operation of schools based on the ideas of Celestin Freinet, founder of the Ecole Moderne movement. Discusses the child-centered approach, cooperative-learning techniques, and participatory decision making that are characteristic of these schools. Points out that the curriculum frequently emphasizes contemporary social…

Identifies four issues that will shape the future of U.S. elementary and secondary education: (1) decentralized governance of schools; (2) education of all students and level of achievement; (3) opportunity for educational equality; and (4) cultural diversity and ethnicity. (CFR)

Examines the dichotomy between area studies and the more traditional discipline of political science. Discusses those areas of political science that relate to area studies and suggests several reasons for an intransigence to change within the more traditional discipline. Recommends a cooperative and interdisciplinary effort between both camps.…

Extrapolates some of the basic epistemological and philosophical arguments of area studies supporters and their detractors within political science. Discusses a possible study of traditional political science "culture" by the area studies proponents. Concludes with a call for both disciplines to work together. (MJP)

Summarizes research concerning the educational experience of women students, in Germany and Austria. Posits six broad categories of research: (1) beginning of women as university students; (2) "tradition of prejudice;" (3) structural analyses of female students; (4) university socialization and memory; (5) occupationally specific…

Examines the origins of school knowledge, and proposes a new tool for analyzing in-class teaching phenomena for different disciplines. Teachers who have mastered the structures of their own discipline's teaching content analyze and compare the contents of other disciplines, thus addressing multidisciplinary teaching problems with a didactic…

Applies the principles of development and integration to the maturation of Montessori schools. Suggests that evaluative inquiry be used as the basis for community inquiry and problem solving by Montessori staff so that reflection, questioning, and decision making result in the highest level of Montessori implementation. (KB)

Background for understanding the experience of Muslim immigrant students in French schools. Discusses the philosophy of equal education as equal access to the same knowledge (defined exclusively by the state and teachers); lack of teacher accountability; examination-based selection; and church-state separation. Describes government responses to…

Argues that, despite some current antitheory sentiment in public administration education, in this profession practice and theory converge directly, with theory a reflection on and critique of practice. Facility with conceptual schemata, models, and systems of thought, and the ability to engage in discourse, listen, read, and articulate ideas are…

Reviews and analyzes the responses of a small number of fifth graders, eighth graders, and high schoolers to detailed interviews concerning the purpose or efficacy of studying history. Reveals a sizable range of rationales characterized by age, interest, and ethnic background. Considers possible implications for teaching and curriculum…

A teacher at an alternative school draws upon his and other educators' experiences to illustrate that learning within relationships and learning about relationships are fundamental to the educational process. Schools must provide safe, caring environments where kids can establish enduring relationships with each other, teachers, and mentors, and…

This article describes the restructuring of the Special Education Teacher Education program at the University of Washington. Analysis indicated a paradigm shift as well as intense collaborative activity and significant programmatic and curricular modifications. Descriptions of the type of personnel needed in the new program are offered, and goals…

Emphasizing the constructivist principles of voice, collaboration, and inclusion, this paper discusses the influence of constructivism across the interrelated levels of reform: structural reforms in school organization, pedagogical reforms in classrooms, and development of school-linked human service systems. It concludes with a political-economic…

Asserts that western civilization's belief in the differentiation between object and subject impedes a true multicultural discourse. Praises the postmodernist approach, that self-evident reality is actually a politically constructed text, as being useful in identifying subjectivity. Argues for acknowledgment, rather than displacement of,…

Provides insight into the interpretative process between instructional designers' practice and a science educator's requirements. Suggests that grounding multimedia design in constructivist philosophy is problematic for two main reasons: interpretation and shared understanding of terms, and limits with respect to the technology. Reports a…