This creative philosophical essay demonstrates Vygotsky's principles in the form of an extended fictional thought-experiment, in which the author is "interviewed" by a fictional Ukrainian reporter, Natasha. The introduction, "Squaring Russian Theory with American Practice," gives some background in Vygotsky's and Davydov's…

The preamble to Montana's constitution, which expresses gratitude for Montana's landscape, reflects an understanding that the political culture of a place is not something apart from the place itself. By the same token, the strengthening of political culture must take place and must be studied in the context of very specific places and the people…

Critical thinkers must be critical about critical thinking itself, and because there is a close conceptual connection between critical thinking and rationality, the demand for justification for a commitment to critical thinking is tantamount to a demand for reasons that justify a commitment to rationality. Several authors have argued that the…

There is a growing dichotomy between the educational value of forensics versus the competitive aspects of individual events for both coaches and students. Competitive behavior has both an instinctual and a cognitive source. The instinctual source can be traced to evolution in a fiercely competitive world. Psychoanalytic theory suggests that the…

The Institute for Earth Education is a nonprofit volunteer group made up of an international network of individuals and member organizations devoted to helping people live more lightly on the earth. This book proposes an alternative path to solve environmental problems. The program, called the earth education path, seeks to accomplish one of…

In this publication, the policy positions of the National Education Association (NEA) on early chldhood education in the public schools are delineated. The NEA's proposals for early childhood program standards are also offered. Sections of the publication concern: (1) characteristics of the early childhood arena; (2) principles and standards of…

A major purpose of this study was to determine the attitudes toward standards of practice and the nature and scope of standards of practice as they currently exist in governmental agencies, professional associations and licensing agencies, business and industry, health-related organizations, and colleges and universities. A second purpose was to…

Sex discrimination in American education remains a persistent problem that requires concerted attention from many different perspectives. This Issuegram focuses on the legal mandates requiring sex equity in public schools. A brief background indicates a history of sex discrimination in education dating back to 1783. Several important weapons for…

Three kinds of important and valid educational study are discussed that are needed to provide more research and a better understanding: strict educational research, experimental writing, and policy papers. (ND)

The educational system of the United States reflects U.S. respect for both diversity and equality. Differences in students' aspirations are accommodated by offering both precollegiate and vocational education. Three essential major purposes of education are the civic, the personal, and the utilitarian. Where the civic and personal ends of…

Article described the educational contributions made by Ralph Tyler in the 1920s and 1930s. (RK)

In a discussion of the philosophy of the mythical sage, Mule Skinner, the author argues that education is most effective when teachers do not try to impose their own values and objectives on students. (JG)

Acknowledging that while it is difficult to suggest specific instructional strategies for accommodating differing adult beginning readers' (ABR) psychosocial behavior, this paper offers appropriate instructional principles based on the educational and social needs of the ABR. The principles presented are as follows: (1) teachers should help adults…

ALTHOUGH THIS REPORT ON THE STATUS OF PROGRAMED INSTRUCTION AND THE POTENTIAL IT HOLDS FOR SCHOOLS EMPHASIZES THE APPLICATIONS OF PROGRAMED INSTRUCTION TO OCCUPATIONAL EDUCATION, MUCH OF WHAT IS SAID IS ALSO APPLICABLE TO GENERAL EDUCATION. AN EXAMPLE OF PROGRAMED INSTRUCTION, AN OVERVIEW OF SUPPORTING PSYCHOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES, RESEARCH FINDINGS,…