The relationship between knowledge and effective and autonomous thoughts and actions is explored with special regard to implications for educational curriculums and teaching. An educational program that concentrates on rationality without reference to creative autonomy, it is stressed, will impoverish the thinking process. (DS)

Asserts that the use of historical novels in the elementary curriculum is becoming increasingly popular. Provides a four-step process that guides instruction using novels. Includes recommendations for selecting the novels, preteaching activities, and enrichment activities. (CFR)

These appendices present the protocols used in research (reported in Volume 1) on the cognitive processes of students while learning from teaching. Curriculum outlines are given for the videotaped lessons used in the second and third studies: lessons in sleep and elementary psychology. Included in the appendices are: (1) the illustrative script…

It is argued that Australian elementary mathematics curricula have been influenced by earlier British and United States educational movements and theories and are out of touch with current research emphasizing a constructivist approach. A new model of young children's numerical development is offered, and recommendations for improving mathematical…

This curriculum guide is designed to aid in the planning and execution of a writing course for verbally gifted elementary school students. The course is designed for students ranging in age from 8-11 years whose verbal reasoning skills are at least 3 years above grade level. The course instructs students in the fundamentals of communication…

For the thirty-sixth year, the Research and Theory Division of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) is sponsoring the publication of these Proceedings. Papers published in this volume were presented at the annual AECT Convention in Anaheim, California. The Proceedings of AECT's Convention are published in two…

Presented at a week-long conference on the importance of research in education, this paper focuses on four components of the educational system: the learner, the curriculum, the instructor, and the context. For each of these components, questions are raised and research is suggested. For the learner, these concern the value of research for learner…

Psychological research has identified a number of cognitive processes and language abilities that are involved in the development of reading skills. This paper examines the ways in which research findings relate to current curriculum practices in such areas as learning letters and sounds; developing auditory perception skills; word recognition;…

Urban Geography was selected as the discipline for studying the physical structure of a city, as reported in ED 066 350. This second progress report presents a resume of the activities of the team and reflects upon the processes involved in curriculum building and instructional planning: 1) clarifying the nature of students involved, 2) finding…

Contends that metaphorical thinking can help teachers and students construct new contexts for instruction and learning. Describes the use of metaphors as the basis for a preservice elementary social studies education course. (CFR)

Maintains that children's ability to understand and use narrative precedes their ability to understand and use other genres. Asserts that the link between history and narrative is overlooked in discussions about children's historical understanding. Argues that children should use narrative. (CFR)

Reports on a three-year ethnographic study of the visual arts curriculum in three elementary schools. Finds three distinct orientations: (1) the rote, teacher-centered orientation; (2) the open-ended, student-centered orientation; and (3) the higher order, cognitive orientation. (CFR)

The paper reviews literature dealing with children's social and political development and examines how changing orientations in child development research relate to citizenship education. The paper is intended for use by elementary school educators as they develop and implement citizenship education and law-related education programs. The paper is…

This report, designed especially for use by researchers, evaluators, and teachers, explores the practical implications of the composing process for writing instruction and assessment. An understanding of the actual process of text composition is presented as insights into how the acquisition of aspects of writing might be facilitated are explored.…

Asserts that the whole-language approach is a philosophy of learning in which children construct knowledge by actively engaging in classroom projects that have real meaning for them. Describes thematic studies using a whole-language approach in which children (with teacher assistance) decide what themes will be studied. (CFR)