The present crisis in education is so severe that to return to the "basics," or simply to improve the standard approach to instruction, will only make the situation worse. Missing is a recognition of the importance of the imagination in the learning process. I. A. Richards (1925) has identified six distinct aspects of the imagination: (1) the…

This handbook enables teachers to proceed from understanding to practical incorporation in the classroom of "Common Essential Learnings," an appropriate and sound pedagogy, based on techniques of questioning, reflection, and dialogue. The "Common Essential Learnings" comprise six categories: (1) communication, which focuses on…

Ethnographic research (1) observes human behavior in its natural setting over a substantial period of time, (2) claims that classes of events are better understood through intensive examination of carefully selected particular cases, (3) incorporates as many of the complexities and variables into a setting as possible, and (4) is usually comprised…

Practical ways in which writing was used in a college level introductory social psychology course are described. Rather than being used almost exclusively as a tool for evaluation, the process of writing was also used as a tool for problem solving and for producing creative and analytical thinking. Writing was integrated into the course in three…

To encourage children's creative writing in a classroom setting, student teachers used two types of children's books as models: (1) a traditionally structured picture book in which the story maintains strong development of plot, setting, and characters as in "Peter Rabbit"; and (2) a predictable pattern book that develops a repetitive pattern as…

Noting that successful comprehension, problem solving, and decision making are dependent upon activation and appropriate application of relevant schemata of existing knowledge, this report examines the practice of oversimplifying information in the content areas to make teaching and studying easier, and the dangers inherent in doing so. The report…

A GENERAL, PROBLEM-SOLVING PROGRAM (GPSP), CONSISTING OF 16 CREATIVE PROBLEMS FOR THE FIFTH AND SIXTH GRADE LEVELS PRESENTED IN A SELF-INSTRUCTIONAL LINEAR FORMAT, WAS DEVELOPED AS A PROTOTYPE OF INSTRUCTIONAL LINEAR MATERIALS ON CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING. THROUGHOUT THE SERIES OF LESSONS, A STORY LINE IS MAINTAINED TO GIVE THE READER A SET OF…

A course in advanced composition and analytical reading designed for elementary school teachers is proposed. Stressing the importance of literary appreciation of works of exceptional merit, the author returns to the systematic study of English composition using literature as the basis of the composition course. Some of the authors mentioned are…

Specific goals for elementary and secondary public education are described in this final report. The general goal statements which are learner and future oriented, center on helping students toward achieving self actualization and realization; respect and concern for others; cognitive skills; mental and physical health; career and occupational…

The effectiveness of a workbook for training creative thinking, "Thinking Creatively: A Guide to Training Imagination," was evaluated with a sample of 198 inner-city students. The materials seek to teach attitudes which predispose an individual to behave more creatively and techniques for producing new combinations of ideas. Two…

Six presentations at joint conference of two Canadian professional associations include two theme speeches (Denis Varloot, Douglas Foskett); synthesis of three theme presentations (Basil Stuart-Stubbs); addresses by current and incoming presidents of Canadian Library Association (CLA) (Beth Miller, Ken Jensen); and a review of CLA services to…

The Coalition of Essential Schools promotes the following principles: (1) personalized instruction; (2) student-as-worker, teacher-as-coach; (3) focus on adolescents; (4) focus on essential skills and knowledge; (5) teachers as generalists; (6) diploma by exhibition of mastery; (7) goals for all students; (8) tone of expectation, trust, and…

Collections of small objects have often been used in mathematics programs to develop classification and patterning skills. This book synthesizes that body of experience to create a new and original sequence of activities that build upon each other in order to draw out the greatest possible educational richness from the treasures. Treasure Boxes is…

Describes an instructional strategy combining cooperative learning in small groups with questioning techniques designed to encourage creative and critical thinking. Asserts that creativity and the ability to work cooperatively are the two workplace qualities most identified by corporations and organizations as essential for future employees. (CFR)

Reports on a study of the higher-order thinking and subject matter understanding of 18 preservice art teachers. Finds that only some exhibited the higher-order thinking or in-depth understanding expected of specialists in visual art. Discusses implications for teacher preparation. (CFR)