Asks theoretical questions about child development and how to define quality contexts for it in light of New Zealand's requirement that early childhood education meet quality criteria. Discusses principles that should underlie good programs, including a sociocultural theory of development and children's interactions with both teachers and peers.…

Challenges the current belief that post-secondary curricula is defined by faculty and institutions in response to demographic shifts. Maintains that a complex interweaving of social movements, class structures, political, and economic forces influences the adaptation and implementation of curricula. Criticizes the establishment and the recognition…

Traces the history of the idea of a general education' from the reforms of the 19th century through the Soviet system to its current incarnation. Originally conceived as an investment in the economic future of the country, it developed into an educational counterweight to the growing professionalization of instruction during the Soviet regime.…

Reviews the contributions and educational philosophy of Herbert Spencer. The 19th-century social philosopher was an advocate of Pestalozzianism, an early form of open education and a precursor to John Dewey's progressive education. Discusses a broad range of educational reform movements and how they influenced Spencer. (MJP)

Discusses how postmodernism applies to Montessori practices and to a specific conflict resolution dilemma. Describes educational practices that have been changed or rethought at one school as a result of research or examination of their relevance to the postmodern world. Asserts that if children are to become critical thinkers, tolerant of…

This article reassesses the contribution of the Plowden Report (1967) to educational thinking in the United Kingdom. It discusses how the report was scapegoated by politicians advocating a performance-led approach and suggests the report, which advocated a holistic, child-centered educational approach, has much to contribute to present educational…

Contends that open societies that lack official ideologies may find it difficult to determine educational objectives. Maintains that new trends in educational policy formation include deinstitutionalization of the educational system, efficiency expectations, multiculturalism, choice, and participation. (CFR)

Compares two closely related distinct approaches to art teaching: (1) the issues-oriented approach; and (2) the thematic approach. Contends that the issues-oriented approach to art education supports cultural diversity by emphasizing art's potential to promote political change. (CFR)

Asserts that professional morality deals with decisions, strategies, products, and by-products in teaching. Reports on interviews with 60 teachers and discusses 5 types of decision making. Concludes that appropriate teacher training programs can help develop conceptual frames of professional responsibility. (CFR)

Reviews research on the nature and development of the professional morality of preservice teachers. Reports on a longitudinal study of 284 education students regarding an ethical dilemma about teacher interrelationships. Maintains that one barrier is the lack of a well-established professional moral language. (CFR)

Argues that the integration of mainstream literacy into social studies instruction is necessary to ensure that students in urban middle school classrooms learn content. Also argues for instruction from a "multiple literacies" approach in order to validate and engage disinterested students. (CFR)

Maintains that the development and functioning of educational systems are characterized by specific internal contradictions, which are reflected in the form of theoretical problems. Discusses social functions of educational systems, including education and labor and the problems of continuing education. (CFR)

Discusses the origins and development of social studies education from the Populist/Progressive era to the present. Contends that, because of the influence of politics on programs of study in schools, the social studies curriculum has been affected by the rise and fall of ideological and political trends. (CFR)

Contends that 1960 and 1970 social studies projects reflected institutionalized mainstream academic knowledge in the social sciences. Calls for closing the gap between transformational knowledge and the teaching of social studies in public schools. (CFR)

Discusses 15 years of experiences and lessons learned teaching in multicultural settings in the United States, Puerto Rico, and 2 foreign nations. Argues that schooling should be based on a diversity model of education. Asserts that it is difference that engages student minds. (CFR)