The hidden curriculum in schools affects students' behavior. Observations from over 60 classrooms show differences in the way students from various academic tracks and socioeconomic backgrounds react to ambiguous situations. The analysis demonstrates that teachers and schools maintain the socioeconomic status quo rather than working for a more…

Critically examines the "English ethnographic tradition's" view that classroom instruction transmits propositional knowledge. Uses observed classroom discourse to argue that instruction in fact produces knowledge, both propositional and "how-to". (MCG)

Attempts to show that under certain circumstances, hidden curricula of schools perform an important function in maintenance of character myths. Applies Ernest Gellner's concept of conceptual incoherence to the role of the "Mechanech" (similar to American homeroom teachers, with responsibilities for pastoral care and moral education) in…

Argues that the ambiguous status of a traveling ethnic group has implications for the state's interest in its assimilation, and that government policies concerning Gypsies' schooling are largely aimed at incorporation. Discusses how Gypsies must retain control over their social reproduction through their children's upbringing, either by…

Reviews anthropological studies and demonstrates how the term "literate" has replaced the term "civilized" and how literacy is currently used to distinguish between different social groups in modern, technological societies. Discusses how teachers of English are actually teaching a set of oral and written social practices associated with the…

Schools must provide opportunities for students to discover what is most worth knowing, as they prepare to be citizens, good workers, good private individuals. Formal curriculum is one vehicle for teaching Tao (universal path to becoming a good person). Hidden curriculum can also convey profound teachings, if a spirit of fairness predominates,…

Graduate students in a school leadership class developed an action plan that encourages women to become and remain administrators and challenges societal assumptions regarding women in leadership. Strategies are advised for identifying and encouraging potential candidates; supporting female administrators; sensitizing the public, school staff, and…

Contends that recent changes in the South African school curriculum are intended to preserve racial separateness rather than to bring about an integrated society. Distinguishes between the concepts of "own" culture versus "common" culture in examining multiculturalism in South Africa. Provides a set of recommendations for…

Argues that schools always educate for meaning and morality, even when their avowed purpose is to teach only know-how to perform well in a job. There is a hidden but powerful curriculum that treats technology as the sacred source of meaning and that promotes a new technological morality, which has led to techno-holism. Contains 25 footnotes. (PVD)

Argues from a feminist epistemology that religious educators seeking to nurture transformative educational experiences for white people must work on "unlearning"the racism inherent in contemporary foundational knowledges. Proposes determining how graduate programs in religious education may contribute to such knowledges and what can be done about…

Discusses the relationships between instructor and student goals, course design, and student strategies for learning physics in a traditional introductory undergraduate physics course for nonmajors. Results indicate that diverse goals and the structure of the course inhibited the understanding of physics and were conducive to students engaging in…

An environmental studies center at Oberlin College (Ohio) was designed to instruct its users in ecological competence and the possibilities of ecological design applied to buildings, energy and waste systems, and landscapes. Students and faculty participated in the planning process, which included research into technologies and materials, high…

Suggests that the agenda and culture of reform in UK medical schools should be underpinned by more interpretive and reflexive research paradigms. Illustrates how the key tensions inherent in the professional socialization of doctors--between "objectifying" and "humanizing"--construct and limit both the capacity to change…

This article discusses social difficulties of children with Asperger's syndrome and provides strategies for helping children practice and learn the classroom and life rules that many students naturally acquire. Suggestions include: carefully structure seating arrangements and group work, provide a safe haven, prepare for changes in routine, and…

Proposes that extramusical skills, or societal and emotional skills, should be included in the music classroom. Provides information on the hidden curriculum and on social and emotional skills. Reviews research on extramusical skills. Discusses how to teach extramusical skills, including strategy examples and suggested resources. (CMK)