An examination of one of the problems of data banks dealing with terminology and serving varieties of users. The problem addressed is: Do such data banks actually fulfil their objective, and, if not, what modifications should be made? Difficulties experienced by translators are discussed. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

A recognition of pradigmatic diversity and the contribution of multiple paradigms to planning greatly enriches both theory and practice. This analysis groups planning definitions into two general models, associates both with hard and soft systems thinking, and examines conceptual roots. The interpretive/humanist paradigm often highlights…

The article reviews proposed causes and observable symptoms that characterize dyslexia, concluding that individualized analysis and specialized treatments are required and that, until an operational definition can be agreed upon, use of the label "dyslexia" is counterproductive. (DB)

The racial definitional system in the United States ensures the separation of people. It is a caste-like system of nomenclature which was invented by Whites for their benefit. It is institutionalized and gets renewed through the socialization process. The system is only peripherally concerned with how Blacks define themselves. (VM)

The article looks at the concept of discrepancy between ability and achievement in conceptualizations of learning disabilities. Comparison of ability and achievement scores found generally small average discrepancies, though some wide ranges were evident. Implications of the findings for current and future use of discrepancies as estimators of…

Gives 1986 National Rural and Small Schools Consortium Conference definitions for rural school district, small school district, and remote/isolated school, providing common terms for communicating with legislators, federal/state policymakers, and researchers. Emphasizes "ruralness" as a continuum affected by the interaction of…

Highlights the special features of the language of economics which are likely to cause problems of understanding, and suggests ways to help students overcome them. (BSR)

The use of the word "values" in educational writings is explored. The precise meaning is obscure because authors such as Dewey, Gardner, and Silberman use the word differently. Definitional problems are too numerous to allow for one definition, but the meaning can be made clearer by conceptualizing general categories of values. (VM)

Describes two activities designed to help students evaluate potential definitions of learning. The first activity involves discussion of 10 events which may or may not be learning experiences; the second is a computer program that simulates problem solving and appears to fit most definitions of learning. (Author/GEA)

Reviews articles defining the social studies. States that social studies lacks integrity as a separate field in its own right due to its broad aims. Proposes that the social sciences be used to provide constraints on the aims of social studies. Provides examples of aims limited by scholarly parameters for selected social sciences. (JDH)

This article (1) discusses the characteristics of discipline-based art education; (2) compares these characteristics with those of current practice in the public schools; (3) examines the national standards for art teacher education programs; and (4) makes recommendations for changes in art teacher education programs. (Author/RM)

Addresses the need for a theoretical analysis of the peer tutoring process by discussing: definitions of the process, the psychological and educational processes in peer tutoring as a learning and teaching experience, and the conceptualization of peer tutoring as a cooperative social system and a group reward structure. (Author/ABB)

The author cites the need for defining and measuring quality of life and personal life satisfaction for individuals with mental retardation, asserting that the American Association on Mental Deficiency should assume a leadership role in this effort. (CL)

Explicates a definition and theory of "aboutness" and aboutness analysis developed by text linguist van Dijk; explores implications of text linguistics for bibliographic classification theory; suggests the elements that a theory of the cognitive process of classifying documents needs to encompass; and delineates how people identify…

Examines three conceptual and methodological problems characteristic of research on patterns of aging in rural versus urban environments. These include (1) lack of consistency and clarity in definitions of rurality and in the application of those definitions and (2) inconsistency in the way in which rural-urban comparisons are made and…