It is proposed that the postmodern university, with its emphasis on technology and its market orientation, departs from the true principals of liberal education, which is the development of intellect: the ability to think clearly and critically and to understand ourselves and others. (MSE)

Discusses the assignment of student logbooks in undergraduate geography classes. Observes that logbooks provide teachers with feedback from and greater knowledge of students. Asserts that logbook writing promotes better thinking by students, and allows them to learn about themselves and the course. Offers suggestions for teachers. (SG)

The study contrasted personality and intellectual characteristics of 3 groups of 16 children: a group molested by a teacher, a molested by a family member, and a nonmolested control group. There were few differences between the two molested groups or between boys and girls. Significant differences were found between molested and unmolested…

Recommends that inservice teacher education challenge the intellectual development of teachers. Discusses the learning process of teachers, and profiles activities in specific elementary and secondary schools intended to benefit students' learning. Suggests that teachers should teach sound habits of mind with intellectual humility, expertise in…

Shadows student named Sam through classes at suburban high school. Typical high school is characterized by intellectual chaos created by string of utterly independent "subjects." There is virtually no federal-level talk about intellectual coherence for Sam. Curricular mandates (and accompanying assessment systems) place each traditional…

Proposes a perspective on mathematical symbolism as a communication and conceptualization tool. Describes research in which first graders, solving mathematical problems in small groups, invented symbolic representations as both a part of the knowledge construction process and a means of communicating their conceptualizations to each other. (SV)

Prevailing conceptions of young children's mental life represent children's thinking as confused and lacking western rationality. Instead, we should consider their mental life as a positive oral culture, and evolve a new science of early childhood education based on understanding of peoples in oral cultures. (MSE)

For two decades, Bates seriously challenged educational administration's value neutrality as ideological and concerned with protecting vested interests and class divisions in society. This article explores intellectual influences shaping Bates's critical-theory approach, examines similarities to Thomas Greenfield's ideas, and evaluates critics'…

Society's demand for specialization discourages teachers from becoming skilled generalists. The result is intellectual impoverishment for schools and children. The greatest challenge is teaching students to think in holistic terms. Students must look beyond telecomputing to explore ideas and discover how technology itself is shaping their…

Recent research has revealed remarkable data about the intricacies of brain-based learning and the integration of this knowledge into the academic setting. Prudent educators can create a brain-friendly classroom by developing an emotionally and physically safe environment, using laughter and simple exercises to eliminate mental cobwebs, creating…

Traces evolution of the medieval university's role in providing professional education. Argues that medieval universities evolved from two types of institutions--guilds and cathedral schools--into institutions that offered training in intellectual professions (theology, medicine, and law) but required prior mastery in liberal arts. The European…

Not all learning activities are worth keeping. For kids to know and understand important curriculum concepts, hands-on activities should also be "minds-on." Backward Design is a three-step curriculum model that helps teachers identify desired results, determine acceptable evidence of student learning, and plan learning experience and…

This article explores what the concept of intellectual character offers that traditional views of intelligence based on abilities do not. The origins of the concept of thinking dispositions are traced and various views regarding the dispositions that might comprise and define one's intellectual character are investigated. Educational implications…

Teachers and longitudinal researchers have observed that the long-term benefits of participating in a quality early childhood program are more social than academic. Early childhood is a unique stage of life, not an opportunity for intervention and remediation. Kindergarten and first-grade environments should be flexible, activity-oriented, and…

Suggests that John Dewey developed ideas regarding reflective thinking and the challenges to it that are relevant to our times. Asserts that education is intended to provide a repertoire of intellectual activities for systematic and disciplined thinking that can counteract assaults on reason. (EV)