Traces public and political interest in curriculum change in U.S. public schools from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s. Findings indicate that, in general, increased levels of expectation regarding the power of schools continued unabated during this period. Suggestions are presented regarding topics for additional educational research. (DB)

This paper discusses Thomas Jefferson's evolving concept of the form and manner of education most useful for republican citizens. Jefferson both respected and resented Europe's claims of superiority in cultural matters. But as captivated as Jefferson was by European artistic and literary attainments, he was appalled at the misery and squalor that…

In a long-standing debate, those who argue that "useful" studies are liberal have often appealed to Franklin, while those who oppose this have usually appealed to Aristotle. Both of these historical appeals are flawed, however, a fact revealing deeper misunderstanding in the contemporary debate. (Author/MSE)

American educators first turned to behaviorism and the forerunner of systems theory to make education an instrument of social control for the preservation of cultural homogeneity. Rather than offering "backward" or "learning disabled" children increased educational opportunities, these procedures relegated them to a subordinate place in American…

The American Educational Research Association's (AERA) Special Interest Group (SIG) on "Creation and Utilization of Curriculum Knowledge" was formed in 1971 by researchers whose work focused upon the advancement of knowledge in curriculum. The interest area for this SIG centered on generic knowledge about: (1) curriculum definitions; (2)…

Argues that traditional English methods of deciding what to teach have been more pragmatic than either U.S. "Curriculum Theory" or German "Didaktik," both emphasizing principled arguments about educational goals. Observes that English schooling continues to be shaped by discussion of subject-based methods rather than…

Reviews social studies curricula developed for classroom use since the 1890s. Examines six categories of differing recommendations. Reveals disparate conceptualizations of what constitutes useful knowledge to attain citizenship objectives. Defines classroom practice as the bottom line, citing findings from recent National Science Foundation…

Follows curriculum development in the United States over a 70 year period. Special emphasis is placed on special curriculum committees of the National Education Association (NEA), the emergence of the curriculum field, and reform through specialization and standardization. (Author/DB)

Discusses the polarized educational system that emerged in Great Britain between 1770 and 1850, based upon student mentality levels. Explains that the differing treatment of higher and lower mentalities was incorporated into a system of separate schools. Describes the system as an institutionalization of the mental and manual divisions of labor…

Describes importance of listening and interest in developing listening skills in today's educational curriculum, and discusses past attempts to develop listening skills through legislation mandating listening education, development of listening courses, formation of International Listening Association, and Sperry Corporation's listening…

While the military have enjoyed certain advantages in the development of their training programs they have also operated under certain limitations caused by the necessity of building one of the largest military establishments in the world within 4 years. The Services have been faced with the need of adjusting their training programs to constantly…

First published in 1969 in "Journal of Geography," this article suggested an introductory geography course provided an introduction to field of geography and provided useful image of world. Claimed that these objectives were viewed as incompatible, and suggested a geography course that served both purposes. Described early textbooks and the…

Discusses the history of educational computing in England, which started about 1970 when the government-funded Microelectronics Education Programme began. The Programme's main areas of activity are outlined and the role of the Council for Educational Technology in these activity areas is described. (Author/MBR)

Few intellectual and social movements of this century have had so pervasive an influence on the theory and practice of American education as the mental hygiene movement. This movement substantially altered ways of thinking about education, in particular, the school's responsibility for children's personality development. The movement's history is…

Traces early twentieth-century educational reforms that created the social studies as a field to restructure information into knowledge and promote citizenship. Presents the National Council for the Social Studies' skill objectives. Argues the social studies, although firmly based in social criticism, must still evolve to adequately address the…