Discusses the essential elements of Montessori educational philosophy and theory, focusing on the integration, development, and maintenance of the four characteristics of normalization (concentration, work, discipline, sociability) into adulthood. Discusses Montessori's view that development and retention of these positive characteristics could be…

The tenth in a series of articles designed to facilitate philosophical discussions with gifted students, this article explores whether technology is the savior of humanity or the tool of humanity's ultimate destruction. It draws from essays by Martin Heidegger to examine the benefits and disadvantages of technological advancement. (Contains 2…

Suggests a playful approach to religious education that is not dismissive of orthodox points of view. Notes the literary, theological, and pedagogical aspects of the book of Job. Discusses the use of irony in teaching. Rejects any single approach's claim to exclusive truth about God. (DSK)

Illustrates the use of auto- and biographical materials as part of a research process concerned with problematic aspects of learning science. Draws on an extended study of graphing among university students and research scientists, and on the autobiography and interview data from one of the authors to point out some of the sources of difficulties…

Discusses the work of New Zealand educator and writer Sylvia Ashton-Warner. Describes her organic philosophy and how it is the basis for whole-language teaching; describes her Key Vocabulary method. Discusses adapting organic learning and whole language to upper-level literacy teaching. Discusses group inquiry learning and personalized teaching.…

Discusses the reform issues needed in general music education in the public schools that originally appeared in "General Music: A Call for Reform" in 1987. Contends that in order to address these issues a major in general music should be proposed within the undergraduate music curricula focusing on preparing teachers in general music. (CMK)

Reflects upon the position of comparative education during this Presidential Address for the British Comparative and International Education Society (BCIES). Identifies different memories and models in the realm of comparative education, discusses the geopolitical changes and their implications for education, and undergoes the process of…

Investigates the Freinet Movement, the reason behind its creation, and the role it played in the French educational system. Maintains that Celestin Freinet, the founder of the movement, could not fathom why the United States and England never adopted any of his principles of international education into their educational systems. (CMK)

Experiential education is not just experiential learning, but also a philosophy of education that involves the interaction between learner and teacher and recognizes the larger system-level issues within education. Viewing experiential education as a philosophy allows for its various expressions to argue collectively for educational reform that…

Summerhill School has recently come under fire from England's educational bureaucracy, who are calling for its closure for noncompliance with the British national curriculum. The school has responded that it will not change its noncompulsory status nor any aspect of its educational philosophy that distinguishes it as a democratic, free school. (LP)

Expounds why and how music education at the preschool level has developed in Denmark and whether it should be a part of a formal national curriculum. Addresses the role of legislation in this process and the major schools of thought in music instruction as a context for understanding the development of this curriculum. (CMK)

Several concepts from the adult learning literature are described that relate to working with parents of young children who are deaf. Three areas are discussed: the context for adult learning; learning related to transitions in the adult life cycle; and transformative learning. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

A 13-week teacher education program that incorporates Norwegian concepts of "friluftsliv" involves living outdoors and travelling to experience first-hand the land and different cultures. Understanding cultural forces that shape people, the meaning of community, and the inextricable relationship between people and nature initiates a…

The Native American Home School Association helps Native parents to provide a good education free from the assimilationist tendencies of public school and to transmit Native values and culture. Discusses various home schooling styles, the effectiveness of home schooling in terms of academic achievement and socialization, and the effectiveness of…

In this essay the practical functions of the arts and crafts, in general, have been furnished as empty places into which specific practices can be put. The essay unfolds as two interlocking narratives. The first is the story of epistemological ambiguity inherent in the representation of knowledge. The second is the tale of political exclusion of…