The Danish education system has been characterized by democratic values, individual choice of education and institution, emphasis on general education, and teachers' freedom of teaching method. But these characteristics are being undermined by European unity and neoliberalist policies that see education as an element in the market economy.…

Asserts that the status of civics, a formal course of instruction in middle/junior high schools, is alarming. Maintains that civic or citizenship education is the central purpose of social studies. Provides a context and suggested content for a civics course. (CFR)

A survey of 78 faculty at the University of Tasmania (Australia) investigated perceptions of the actual and the ideal university and identified discrepancies that are causes for concern about the institution's future. Two issues stood out as concerns: institutional autonomy and democracy within the institution. (MSE)

By any measure--student achievement, social development, or democratic values--ability grouping and tracking practices are indefensible and unsupported by research. Tracking allows schools to practice in-school segregation and perpetuate unequal opportunities and unequal socialization within classrooms. Jonathan Kozol's investigation shows how…

The new postindustrialism is marked by three momentous developments: the electronic computer revolution; the emergence of a competitive global market; and the prospect of serious environmental damage. This article summarizes major themes of the author's book "Education and Work for the Year 2000," stressing the need to resolve the…

The executive director of the Foxfire Fund and the codirector of the Institute for Democracy in Education discuss collaborative strategies for promoting democratic approaches to education, the history and current context of democratic education, and the importance of empowering teachers to implement student-centered democratic education. (LP)

The education crisis is like TV violence; the worse it gets, the more inert we become. Truth is that Americans do not really care about education. The young are adept at "reading" adult hypocrisy. Commercialism rules. There is nothing in Homer, Virginia Woolf, Shakespeare, or teaching that will bring youngsters big bucks. Freedom and…

Instead of becoming a launching pad for tomorrow, schooling must be worthwhile for today. Learning to learn must overshadow the acquisition of methods, skills, and knowledge. Educators must conscientiously avoid programs that accommodate the masses at the expense of individuals. Principals must exercise influence to replace memorization and rote…

Discusses Canada's evolving university-industry relationship, reviewing the need for increased industrial funding of universities and for capable graduates. Academic and industrial research overlap; therefore, for Canada to be a competitive industrial country, various vehicles must exist to bring together working scientists and engineers from…

The article traces the history of the social sciences and shows how they developed their modern form in Western universities. It argues that they are undermining rather than supporting democratic order and suggests that universities, with their commitment to truth and freedom of thought, can transform such disciplines into worthwhile entities. (SM)

Development of higher education in Colombia is analyzed in the context of recent expansion, democratization, emphasis on quality, and efforts to differentiate programs and institutions. Critical policy areas emerging, overall funding and administration of the public sector, are examined; and possible future developments are discussed. (Author/MSE)

Examines how an open classroom climate relates to effective global education. Looks at gender and race differences, and identifies attributes of open classrooms. Administers questionnaires to 202 students enrolled in an international studies program. Finds a moderate positive correlation between classroom climate and student political attitudes.…

Contends that the key questions in civic education are How should people be treated? and How should disputes between people be resolved? Argues that a moral system is necessary for a civil society and that schools have a responsibility to encourage common-sense notions of ethical behavior. Includes classroom activities to illustrate this approach.…

Discusses aspects of Foucault's philosophy that demonstrate the intensity of his concern for freedom. The paper examines the significance of freedom regarding teacher agency and suggests that Foucault's project of freedom can inform current discussion about educational reform and school restructuring, particularly regarding teachers' roles as…

Teacher education must produce teachers who can ensure that schooling generates future good citizens. The paper examines regional and national reform, the civic foundations of education, and the need for dedicated, well-trained people to enter public service committed to public good. A description of CIVITAS, a citizenship project, is included.…