Examines postcolonial inquiry and studies of identity in Asians of Indian descent, focusing on the works of Meena Alexander and Bharati Mukherjee. Their commentaries on India and immigrant cultures are constantly influenced by a history dependent on Western tradition, although both authors resist the stereotypical definitions imposed by the West.…

Argues that the erosion of the foundations of enlightenment thought has produced different consequences in first, second, and third world countries. Reviews meanings of postmodernity in Latin America, the modern/postmodern debate in education, views on postmodernism, and what postmodernism offers to and demands from educators. (DSK)

Examines the ways in which the argument from definition functions. Considers two novels published in 1912 that illustrate the argument from definition in descriptions of race during the Progressive Era. Asserts that all definitions should be regarded as contingent, and that the argument from definition poses specific ethical concerns that require…

A definition and typology of peer assessment between students in higher education is proposed, and the theoretical underpinnings of the method are discussed, based on a review of both process and outcome studies. These studies suggest that peer assessment is of adequate reliability and validity in many situations. (SLD)

Traces the development of the idea of refugees as distinct from other immigrants. Elaborates on the evolution of a definition of "refugee;" the impact of World War I, World War II, and subsequent population movements; codification of refugee rights by the United Nations; and the process of seeking asylum. (DSK)

A first-year philosophy of education course encouraged students to challenge definitions of education as "schooling" and of relevant learning as that with an institutional or vocational focus. Critical analysis of the individual's social learning was the first step toward personal growth and social transformation. (SK)

Educational management, which has had a short, tumultuous history, may be described as a practical form of knowledge. Recent seminars attempted to redefine educational management in light of major changes in practice since the 1980s, highlighting effects of England's 1988 Education Reform Act. Themes of eight seminal papers are discussed. (28…

Describes the work of a task force of the Society for the Teaching of Psychology, which developed a multipart definition of scholarship that conceptualizes scholarship more broadly than the traditional classification of research, teaching, and service. Scholarship is viewed as being inherent in the quality of a faculty member's activity. (SLD)

After discussing the different uses of the terms "competence,""proficiency," and "communicative language ability" in linguistic and applied language literature, the conclusion is that "competence" should be accepted in its Chomskyan formulation, whereas "communicative language ability" should be…

Examines the origin of the term "attitude," and how its meaning has changed over the centuries. Discusses theoretical definitions of the term by I. A. Richards and by Kenneth Burke. Discusses its role in the learning process, and how an explicit attention to attitude in the language-arts classroom might help students become better readers and…

Reviews the research related to the definition of "literacy" and the comparability of various reading media and their implications for vocational assessment of literacy skills with visually impaired adults. It suggests that the characteristics of literacy, the media, and of the working methods used in criterion situations affect the content…

This paper examines the validity of Asperger syndrome as a condition apart from high-functioning autism. Potential differences between Asperger syndrome and autism is possible if both are strictly defined. The importance of genetic factors in Asperger syndrome is stressed. Research on the nosological validity of this condition and its relationship…

Sixty-three college students worked with a computer simulation in which gradually increasing model complexity (model progression), model progression plus small assignments, or a control condition without either were used. Definition knowledge increased for all three conditions, but intuitive knowledge gain was greater for the two experimental…

Following criticism of a previously described concept model, a new diagrammatic model of outdoor education (outside the classroom) and environmental education (inside the classroom) is proposed that defines and clarifies terms and shows overlapping methods, instructional settings, grade levels, and objectives. (SAS)

When carefully conceived, portfolios can significantly advance a teacher's professional growth and preserve evidence of exemplary teaching. More than a scrapbook or steamer trunk of eye-catching materials, a teaching portfolio is an ongoing, collaborative process that carefully and thoughtfully documents a set of accomplishments attained over an…