Discusses the white canvas approach to beginning conducting, a basic mirror conducting of both hands generating the symmetrical takt, or beat, that represents the basic foundation of conducting. Focuses on such issues as conducting as communication, conducting at the tip of the baton, and extension beyond the white canvas approach. (CMK)

Offers a coherent framework for applying psychology in the schools. Explains that the model's practice and research base emphasizes the importance of both formal (public) and informal (hidden) processes and demonstrates the relationships among these aspects of staff, pupil, and family subsystems. (CMK)

Offers benchmark activities and questions related to the Learning Revolution as an inventory for use by colleges and universities committed to becoming more learning-centered institutions. Includes steps such as: revising mission statements, training faculty and staff, holding conversations about learning, identifying learning outcomes, creating…

Suggests a new distinction among the arts genres used in the school, namely "child art,""fine art,'' and "art for children." Describes each in detail. Examines the contexts of time and space for arts instruction and the communities of practice in which school art functions. Addresses policy implications. (CMK)

A former student at a one-room school in rural Monongalia County, West Virginia, in the 1920s describes educational practices, social life, discipline, extracurricular activities, subject matter, teacher responsibilities, and the importance of the school to the community. (TD)

Presents two children's literature-inspired art projects. The first project, for second grade students, uses the book "In the Tall, Tall Grass" and focuses on the art concept of depth. The second project, for third graders, uses the book "If the Dinosaurs Came Back" to teach color contrast and overlapping. (CMK)

Offers ideas on how to incorporate the principles espoused by Stephen Covey with the music classroom: (1) be proactive; (2) begin with the end in mind; (3) put first things first; (4) think win/win; (5) seek first to understand, then to be understood; (6) synergize; and (7) improve skills. (CMK)

Presents a survey of literature on distance education published from 1990 to the present. Using various criteria identified in the literature, distance education is evaluated using Parento's law. Findings include that distance education is 80% effective and that distance education does not necessarily always do a good job in the methods it uses to…

Introduces and celebrates a new series on Harold and Earle Rugg, founders of the National Council for the Social Studies. Includes the reprints of two articles by the Rugg brothers that appeared in the May 1921 issues of "The Historical Outlook" (the parent of today's "The Social Studies"). (CMK)

Discusses the central areas of dispute over character education. Outlines an agenda for character education focusing on goals and practices. Addresses appropriate goals for character education proposing that civic literacy be embraced by character education advocates. Argues that character education in practice should adopt a developmental…

Focuses on the use of storytelling as a means of teaching history. Explores the ideas presented by Charles McMurry in his handbook "Special Method in History" that addresses the use of stories in teaching. States that McMurry thought history could be interesting and tangible for even the youngest child. (CMK)

Explores the diary of Karl Clark that focuses on his experiences in the Athabasca tar sands. The diary helps decipher the nature of 1920s town life and the pioneering spirit involved in exploring the oil sands. Includes background information on Clark. (CMK)

Discusses the background, concepts, and problems of the recent debate on quality within Germany's school systems. Questions the internal and external scientific experiences that have led to the concentration on quality maintenance and how far these issues can transfer from the private sector. Pleads for an offensive approach to the issue of…

States that the debate on intercultural pedagogics has centered on the clarification of the concept of culture. Provides two examples taken from the intercultural educational practice illustrating that intercultural pedagogics leads to dilemmas and paradoxes. (CMK)

Explores the role of teachers focusing on the importance of their enthusiasm for teaching. Discusses such topics as teaching styles, the topical coverage of courses, and the attitudes teachers have toward students. Addresses the issues of personal taste and relevance within the realm of topical content. (CMK)