Provides an overview of empowerment philosophies and practices in business and educational settings. Role changes for empowerment are discussed, and resistance factors regarding empowerment are described for each setting. (four references) (LRW)

Seven theme articles explore use of research findings to enhance agricultural education (including supervised agricultural experience and Future Farmers of America research), teaching for higher level cognition in adult education, using research to plan curriculum, and improving leadership development in agricultural student organizations. (SK)

Presents a critique of the social and political contexts in which the idea of construct validation developed. It outlines rhetorical, empirical, and philosophical dimensions of the concept and offers an alternative viewpoint for the conceptualization of construct validation. (SLD)

New and emerging perspectives of educational contexts of literacy are reviewed that emphasize the inseparability and reciprocal influence of literacy practices with the social and ideological agendas of the communities, institutions, and settings in which the literacy practices are embedded. Research on conversational contexts of literacy…

This article discusses the evolution and impact of ethnic and women's studies on college campuses, noting the existence of about 700 ethnic and 620 women's studies programs. It responds to common criticisms (e.g., such programs emphasize differences and thus foster divisiveness) and notes challenges, both personal and institutional, offered by…

Curricular change which takes into account new scholarship and cultural diversity at the higher education level is discussed. Personal, professional, and institutional barriers to change are identified. Examples of successfully transformed curricula are given and guidelines (such as clearly stated goals and effective collaboration with other…

This article provides an overview of the University of Chicago (Illinois), discussing its educational philosophy, numerous Nobel Laureates, free-market economic theory, midwestern philosophy, support for interdisciplinary research, high quality faculty, renowned department of sociology, and current unprecedented hiring freeze. (DB)

Analysis of the historical origins and development of Israel's universities helps understand the phenomenon of transfer and adaptation of Western concepts of higher education in developing countries. Despite major historical changes and the establishment of the Israeli state, the prestate ethos still dominates. (Author/MSE)

Discusses Allan Bloom's "The Closing of the American Mind," focusing on Plato's influence on the problems which Bloom sees facing the university and democracy and on his proposed solutions. The paper describes Bloom's four related theses about the university and democratic life, noting some problems which his Platonic approach creates.…

The educational environment offered highly capable students (K-12) at the Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, California, is described. The program stresses student participation, problem solving, a four-year curriculum cycle, all-school year-long themes, and cross-age grouping. (DB)

Implications of the term "gifted," including that of unjustified and unearned privilege, are considered in the context of findings on intelligence development, self-efficacy, education, prevalence, and the importance of labels. Five policy options are considered including abandoning the term and using performance rather than aptitude to organize…

Essential qualities of expert teachers are explored, examining the practices of three historical teaching masters: Zeno of Elea, Lao Tzu of Ch'U, and Jesus of Nazareth. The three qualities identified are profound moral and cultural worth; engagement of the imagination; and the story as the primary form of pedagogy. (SLD)

Discusses the real books approach to reading instruction and the complex teaching that is provided during a number of carefully organized class, group, and individual class interactions. Discusses the philosophy of teaching and learning behind this approach and the role of the teacher. Notes several literacy activities for classroom use. (MG)

Outlines philosophical arguments among Australian educators in the last 20 years about the purposes of education, the common knowledge that educated people should share, the relevance of school curriculum to children's lives, multicultural education, standardized testing, "key competency skills" related to employability, and the value of…

In the Philosophy for Children program, children discover the rudiments of their own philosophy and improve their reasoning and reflective skills through group dialogue. The teacher (facilitator) training model involves teacher participation in a similar community of inquiry and consideration of the role of critical reflection in educational…