Contends that, although the operant approach to psychology is based on objective empirical observations, much of psychology is filled with subjective, interpretive terminology. Argues that such terminology produces confusion over the definitions of basic operant concepts. Suggests a solution that defines the concepts of positive and negative…

This paper examines the extent to which the 1992 American Association on Mental Retardation (AAMR) definition of mental retardation provides decision rules to guide clinicians and researchers in classification efforts. The paper examines concerns about the intelligence quotient criterion, the adaptive skill areas, and proposed differentiation by…

Studies with 174 college students and 41 college faculty attempted to define trick questions and to determine whether students could distinguish between trick and not-trick questions. Evidence seems to suggest that the concept of trickiness is not as clear as some test construction textbooks indicate. (SLD)

Despite the popularity of outcome-based education, research documenting its effects is rare. As an umbrella concept embracing various reform efforts, OBE defies easy definition. This article explains two OBE models (Mastery Learning and the Outcomes-Driven Developmental Model used in Johnson City, New York, Schools) and summarizes recent state OBE…

Reviews statistics on children in foster care. Examines the definition of foster care, the reasons children are placed in foster care, the various living arrangements that constitute foster care, and the rapid growth of the foster care population. (MDM)

Critiques works from "Journal of Mental Health Counseling" special issue on mental health counseling for men. Notes Kelly and Hall's confusion of terms regarding biological sex and masculine gender roles. Contends that Heesacker and Prichard presented dualistic statements and pigeonholed men. Advocates for greater knowledge of gender-related…

Presents a revised working definition of schema, lists four types of knowledge that individuals have (i.e., identification, elaboration, planning, and execution), and outlines issues in schema theory. The usefulness of schema in problem solving and information problem solving is discussed, and implications for teachers of information literacy are…

Today varied notions of good teaching are mired in fruitless, "cheesy" debates over traditional versus progressive philosophies. On the "Velveeta" side is John Locke, who viewed children as a "tabula rasa" (empty slate). On the brie side is Rousseau, who emphasized freeing the child as "noble savage." The…

Examines critically the types of educational literature being advanced under the rubric of "systemic change." Data from an Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) search suggest that most studies are theoretical rather than field based, conservative in their definition of change, and nonsystemic in both theory and practice.…

Teachers should stop teaching traditional school-room grammar entirely. There is no reason to wound youngsters with something they will never learn and never need. Instead, teachers should treat usage and mechanics in gentle, encouraging, nontechnical, and innovative ways. A communication correctly understood by a native speaker is grammatical.…

The Task Force on Defining Scholarship in Psychology has called for an increased emphasis on the scholarship involved in teaching for faculty evaluation processes. Each college and university should also examine its own institutional goals and interests and translate these into their own faculty-evaluation processes. (SLD)

Responds to comments about, and critiques of, his own article on radical pedagogy. Outlines major points of contention raised by other commentators and responds to them, including matters of definition, power relations in the classroom, and tempering radical theory with pragmatism. (DSK)

Preschool and kindergarten teachers can help young learners meet early literacy standards without sacrificing developmentally appropriate practice. Several professional associations have described appropriate expectations for children of different age levels known as milestones, developmental accomplishments, and benchmarks. (MLH)

Following a brief introduction to autism, behaviors that connect individuals with autism and giftedness are explored. Biographical sketches are presented of gifted individuals who have autism and who struggle daily with discrepant strengths and weaknesses. The impact of giftedness on autism is discussed, along with implications for future growth…

Provides operational framework for defining and interpreting peer interventions. Recommends that consideration be given to what constitutes "peerness," the aims and methods of an intervention, and the ways in which peer educators are involved. Explains the distinction between "peer development" and "peer delivery,"…