Explores possible relationships between gifted educators' periodic debates (concerning definition, identification, and curriculum), the philosophical war among advocates of differing perspectives of social science research, and the tacit assumptions of three modes of inquiry (empirical-analytical, interpretive, and transformative). (DB)

Discusses some aspects of the defining process in geometrical context in the reference frame of the theory of "figural concepts." Presents analysis of some examples taken from a teaching experiment at the sixth-grade level. Contains 30 references. (Author/ASK)

The term "rubric" refers to a scoring guide used to evaluate the quality of students' constructed responses (written compositions, oral presentations, or science projects). Although educators rave about rubrics, the vast majority are instructionally fraudulent. Problems arise when rubrics are too task-specific or general or lengthy and…

Considers why women have been absent from the history of technical communication. Discusses research from the history of technology suggesting that notions of "technology,""work," and "workplace" may be gendered terms. Concludes with several suggestions for defining technical communication so that significant works of…

Although behavioral objectives communicate instructional intent, they lack the detail needed to make decisions about design, intervention, and development. Proposes "proformas" as a more complete and accurate way of defining performance. Describes the "language of work" model, discusses its elements: input, conditions, process,…

Distinguishes among educational reform, reconstruction, revolution, and recreation. In education, "reform" means "renewing" or "rebuilding"; "reconstruction" connotes "remodeling" or "remaking"; and revolution calls for replacing one kind of schooling with another. Recreated schools…

This article proposes a definition and model of self-determination for individuals with mental retardation. Self-determined behavior is seen as autonomous, self-regulated, based on psychological empowerment, and self-realizing. Evaluation of the definition with individuals with mental retardation indicated that measures of essential…

Uses M. Ibrahim Alladin's "Racism in Canadian Schools" as a catalyst for discussing some multicultural and antiracist teaching strategies employed in Ontario (Canada) high school English classrooms since the 1980s. Defines racism and outlines differences between multiculturalism and antiracism. Examines how writer John Borovilos…

This case study examines how individuals construct definitions of handicapped and mainstreaming. The effect of these definitions was examined through interviews and observations of the peers, parents, and educators of a fifth-grade mainstreamed boy with disabilities. Results found that frames of reference can have a substantial impact on program…

Discusses the difficulties in conducting a case study on the attitudes and beliefs that individuals held about mainstreaming a boy with disabilities, including changes in terminology, methodological dilemmas, and discrepancies between the definitions that participants explicitly shared and observations of their interactions with the boy. (CR)

Reviews several privatization strategies and their applications to public education, including load-shedding, asset sales, volunteerism, self-help, user fees, contracting, franchises, vouchers, subsidies, and deregulation. The major forces promoting privatization in education are those stemming from growing discontent with the public sector and…

This article discusses commonalities among experts' descriptions of creative individuals, including rational thinking, high levels of emotional development, talent, and higher levels of consciousness. Maintains that creativity studies justify the development of educational creativity training programs. Asserts that teachers can promote children's…

Defines work built around a systems view of consumers and producers to characterize work as seen through different cultures as a mingling of enjoyment. Shows how emerging agricultural settlements and cities resulted in families assuming inherited work or labor specialties to be passed to the next generation. Discusses generational concepts of work…

Examines the working lives of geneticists and journalists to place into perspective what lies behind personal ethics and success. Defines "good work" as productive activity that is valued socially and loved by people engaged in it. Asserts that certain cultural values, social controls, and personal standards are necessary to maintain good work and…

A search of the literature to differentiate among definitions of physical discipline, corporal punishment, and physical child abuse identified five studies which revealed that abusive parents spanked their children more often than did nonabusive parents. Aggregated data from nonabusive parents suggested a "normal range" of daily spanking…