A study of 14 college professors' teaching philosophies and perceptions of classroom practice identified 4 themes: teacher's role as expert or co-learner; tensions arising from creating a comfortable classroom environment while fostering critical thinking; forms of change in the learner; and institutional issues that make enactment of…

Societal forces influencing special education today include expectations of programs for exceptional children, the consequence of fear of being accused of ethnic or social discrimination in placing students in special education, special education as an entry to services, the philosophy of full inclusion, and issues of power and influence in…

Alberta's model junior high school environmental and outdoor education curriculum, a component in Canadian government's Active Living Environment Program, aims to help young adolescents appreciate the personal, interpersonal, and environmental consequences of their actions. Course elements include outdoor experiences and skills, personal and group…

Contends that an obsession for competition has permeated all aspects of society, including the artistic environment. Maintains that competition works against creativity and individual development. Recommends eliminating music contests and other competitive practices at the school and college levels. (CFR)

Contends that conservative critiques of education and proposals for reform are similar in Canada, Great Britain, and the United States. Describes and analyzes New Right criticisms of education and conservative efforts to promote business values and market-based economics. (CFR)

Presents gender issues in the context of a broad definition of art education. Reports on a study of the ability of 115 eighth- and 11th-grade students to assess critically gender stereotypes. Provides five recommendations for dealing with gender issues in the art education curriculum. (CFR)

Public schooling fails by educating students to become dependent thinkers; by providing irrelevant curricula; and by weakening social institutions such as family, community, and religion. On the other hand, public libraries give students the freedom to choose what they want to read, encourage critical thinking, and be nonjudgmental of students.…

Asserts that multiculturalism is an inevitable feature of future curriculum development. Describes four approaches to multiculturalism: (1) attack multiculturalism; (2) escape multiculturalism; (3) transformative multiculturalism; and (4) repair multiculturalism. (CFR)

Examines the premise that experience with computers can fundamentally alter teaching. Contends that the promise of computers and other educational technology is overstated. Presents a case study and summaries of other studies that suggest a teacher's instructional philosophy is a more powerful determinant of computer effectiveness. (CFR)

Examines three possible mechanisms for the effects of first-grade reading group placement. Finds that first-grade ability-group placement can have persistent effects on children's achievement in school for several years and may shape expectations of the children by parents and teachers. (CFR)

Curriculum beliefs and practices were surveyed with 341 Colorado elementary and secondary special education teachers. Findings include: training in curriculum development occurs mostly on the job; teachers want training in teaching compensatory and life skills; teachers believe that individualized education plans constitute the curriculum for…

The cooperative elementary school model uses cooperation, particularly cooperative learning, as a philosophy for educational change. A 2-year study of the cooperative elementary school model in 2 treatment and 3 comparison schools involving 1,012 students demonstrates positive effects on academic achievement and social relations. (SLD)

This study analyzed two student teachers whose contradictory beliefs about teaching went unrecognized and unresolved and subsequently affected their professional growth. The study used interviews, observations, and student teacher journals to examine the nature of learning experiences. Results suggest implications for program administrators,…

Identifies the ideas influencing the rise of autonomy and self-direction in educational milieus. Also discussed are the background of minority rights movements, shifts in educational philosophy, reactions against behaviorism, and wider access to education. Research into learning strategies has contributed directly to these changes. (73 references)…

Examines values inherent in qualitative assessment techniques of studio art programs in high schools. Focusing on advanced placement, Arts PROPEL, and International Baccalaureate programs, data were generated from criteria for assessment as outlined in the literature and curriculum materials. Identifies common themes and differences and includes…