Students tend to perform at the academic level expected of them. Although most expectation research has centered investigation of decontextualized teacher-student dyads to understand whether students behaviorally confirm their teacher's expectation, we now know that expectations operate at whole-group or system levels. Since underestimation is…

Describes high school social studies student projects involving a study of local cemeteries. Projects include charting life expectancies, creating slide shows of community grave sites, and collecting tombstone rubbings. (KC)

Examines four values (one's own life, high quality of life, compassion, justice) which form the core of a proposed value structure for a sustainable society. Also discusses instrumental values that fulfill these core values and why a society organized according to the proposed structure would be more sustainable. (JN)

Examined how autonomy and decision-making manifest themselves in 36 retirement communities in Arizona, California, Florida, and New Jersey. Results indicated that most residents let others make decisions. Autonomy was basically latent, with residents wanting the possibility of decision-making when crisis arises or community stability is…

Discusses three aspects of Philippine culture that affect teaching and learning: (1) social structure; (2) language; and (3) values. Findings from cognitive growth research with Filipino children and adolescents are examined to identify ways of overcoming some sources of difficulties in these areas. (Author/JN)

Until recently there have not been many links to students' culture in the mathematics classroom. This may be one of the major barriers to achievement of many groups historically underrepresented in mathematics, for these students may see mathematics as a subject that has very little meaning or value for their current or future lives. This digest…

The 10 U.S. papers included in this collection discuss the organization, governance, problems, values, and faculty role of higher education in institutions of higher education in the United States. Major differences are identified in the introduction (Clyde Wingfield), including tendencies for American universities to be more integrated into…

Directions for a game which models the feudal system of 11th century Europe are presented for high school and college history courses. The game demonstrates the medieval dependency of social structure on land holdings and vassal obligations. It also permits the expression of personal ambition, with results dependent on the loyalty and…

In Marxist geography the relations that geography has traditionally analyzed--natural environment and spatial relations--are reviewed as outcomes of the mode of material production. To understand geographical relations, the social structure must also be examined. Marxist geography attempts to change the basic structure of society. (RM)

This response to Drash et al. discusses these issues: the historical context of total habilitation of the retarded; the need for a clear conceptualization of intelligence and social adaptation; and the obstacles of society, the profession, attitudes, and the human service structure to the intensive pedagogic matrix required for total habilitation.…

Describes the evolution of feminist critical theory from a study of individuals' roles to the study of the interplay between gender relations and the institutional contexts within which they take shape. Surveys the writing of feminist theorists covering institutions, decision-making processes, cultural symbols, and everyday practices. (DK)

Illustrates the use of collaborative learning groups (CLGs) to help student learning. Finds that students did better on test material that was discussed in group sessions; that connections to classmates increased significantly; and that the great majority of students lauded the use of CLGs. (DB)

Describes a general systems evolutionary model and demonstrates how a previously established ecological model is a function of its past development based on the evolution of the rock, nutrient, and water cycles. Discusses the applications of the model in environmental education. (MDH)

The two papers in this compilation were drawn from a conference designed to encourage scholars to continue the rhetorical tradition. The first paper, delivered by Todd Sorenson and Carrie Stopek, was the paper most highly commended by a panel of critics at the conference. The paper uses fantasy theme analysis, specifically the three fantasy theme…

Teachers and principals have a lot of power, but the power of teachers is different as the students over which they have power are more vulnerable. Teachers should acknowledge their power and the opportunities they have been given to open doors for children. (MD)