Methodologies for life course analyses must explain complex biological, psychosocial, and social factors which result in various patterns of life trajectories. Four problems are characteristic of current research: a seemingly endless list of potentially significant variables; a dearth of life course theory beyond childhood to assist in targeting…

Those to whom teachers are accountable--administrators, parents, and the public--seem to be inclined to ignore the findings of more than 20 years of research into the process of efficient and proficient reading in favor of dehumanized instruction that reduces reading to bits and pieces of skills instruction. They cling to the metaphor of mind as…

Theme study is student centered and emphasizes a coherent and holistic approach to learning through the study of broad themes rather than compartmentalized subject areas. This book explains what is meant by a theme studies approach to education and illustrates how it works with case studies--descriptions of theme studies that were conducted at a…

Intended to provide support, encouragement, and ideas for teachers wanting to make the transition from skill-oriented basal texts to literature-based whole language programs, this book describes a successful existing program and offers suggestions on how any elementary classroom can benefit from such a transition. Its 17 chapters are entitled: (1)…

Elements of educational quality and ways in which quality is estimated are identified, with specific attention to conditions that are prerequisite to achieving high levels of quality in universities. The quality of a university may be estimated by examining prestigous institutions based on reputational studies, by quantitative descriptions of…

This paper reviews the literature concerning integrative curricula for gifted learning. The goals of such curricula include encouraging students to incorporate innovative ideas into their learning activities, promoting self-actualization, unifying students' educational activities across subject-matter boundaries, and aiding students in organizing…

This paper describes an innovative program for teaching self-management to children in elementary and secondary schools. The background of techniques for teaching self-management is briefly reviewed, the application of self-management techniques is noted, deficits in self-management programs are considered, and Lazarus's multimodal model of…

The development and progress of environmental education in Scotland since the Gilbert report of 1974 are charted and reviewed in this publication. Environmental education is viewed as opening all disciplines and affecting all age groups. Emphasis is placed on the need for a central resource base where an internal conceptual structure could be…

Based on gestalt psychology, guided fantasy is a technique that uses sensory images related to a particular situation to create a subjective understanding of that experience. For the young child, guided fantasy can be a process of creating an inner subjective experience that is subsequently integrated with objective knowledge (language) to produce…

Much of the evidence and research available on the use of e-portfolios focuses on faculty and institutional perspectives and/or consists mainly of anecdotes about how useful the e-portfolio has been to learners. While it is generally agreed that e­-portfolios have great potential to engage students and promote deep learning, the research that has…

Noting that a gap exists between desired and actual literacy levels in the United States, this paper argues that the issue of literacy should be addressed holistically. Proposing that the communication skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking are integrated and support each other, the paper reviews research indicating the…

Veraguas province, Panama, is an example of the need to have generalists, not specialists, deal with the interrelated aspects of rural areas in developing nations. Intricate connections between living standards, agricultural production, market and credit structures, land tenure, the political system, the social structure, education, health,…

Discusses "invisible thinking" (responsive critical analysis inseparable from content) and "hypertext" (multilayered multimedia, computer-accessed compilation of data and visual images). Argues that a curriculum focusing on these concepts is more effective in teaching the basics of initial skill mastery and the "higher…

Writing is central to learning and to evaluation of student progress. Holistically scored writing samples, portfolios, and evaluative grids provide effective assessments of writing proficiency and show students that writing is an essential communication skill. Writing assignments also can be used to evaluate learning in a discipline. (Author)

This critical assessment of information science philosophy reviews literature which focuses on scientific development, science/society interface, and communication between disciplines. Science education and cognitive styles are discussed, possible research projects are suggested, and 50 references are included. (Author/LRW)