An alternative method for social problem solving is proposed involving increased collaboration between university researchers and school personnel. Academicians can assume the role of external change agents in addressing such educational equity issues as student dropouts. Collaboration should include a humanitarian basis, a problem focus, and a…

Examines the theoretical and research perspectives (including metacognition, schema theory, and text structure) related to the direct instruction of comprehension at the college level for developmental readers. Concludes that many such strategies are not grounded in solid research bases and recommends that future research focus on the…

Contends that a debate is taking place about the comparative meaning and merits of multicultural and antiracist education. Concludes that research into the effects of antiracist teaching and multicultural education suggests that, although positive effects are weak, antiracist teaching should continue. (CFR)

Literature on the teaching of law in the social work curriculum is reviewed, and a 1991 survey of master's programs in social work concerning the extent of law-related coursework is summarized. A flexible approach to integrating legal content into existing courses is proposed, focusing on six legal precepts: definition/regulation of practice,…

Asserts that public choice theory, a perspective most closely associated with economics and political science, could be used in social studies education to provide new insights into the behavior of students and teachers. Includes a table applying public choice theory to two curriculum and instruction problems. (CFR)

Peer helping provides critical opportunities for practice and reflection as a means of supporting psychosocial development. School counselor skill and knowledge play an important role in the process of peer program development and success. Provides steps for developing a successful program and a sample developmental training model. (JBJ)

A study of 14 college professors' teaching philosophies and perceptions of classroom practice identified 4 themes: teacher's role as expert or co-learner; tensions arising from creating a comfortable classroom environment while fostering critical thinking; forms of change in the learner; and institutional issues that make enactment of…

Argues that educational research and policymaking are hampered by increased intervention by governmental agencies and misrepresentation in the media. Asserts that current educational reform efforts are in conflict with research findings related to curriculum, learning, and assessment. (CFR)

Asserts that a recent report suggests that students should have opportunities to become actively engaged in the application of economics. Finds that the case method approach was more useful than texts and lectures in learning about institutional arrangements, the use of economic data, and how to use economics to solve real problems. (CFR)

Review of models traditionally used by different disciplines to describe thinking processes led to development of a general model and testing in six pure and applied matched disciplines (physics, engineering, psychology, education, English literature, composition). Professors applied the models to their courses in different ways and used various…

Offers brief commentary on the studies included in this issue. Maintains that the four articles on children's home and school language is important professional literature for anyone who deals with reading and language. (BB)

Discusses problem of socialization to school environment. Explains that the process can have a negative impact on teachers' attitudes toward social studies teaching and can result in noncreative teaching. Recommends methods for retaining the ideals learned in education courses. Suggests doing things in manageable steps, reserving time for…

Reviews the restructuring of the Chicago (Illinois) Public Schools. Key choices made about restructuring over 10 years are discussed, and 18 key elements for improvement are identified. It is argued that the reform is on the right track, with potential for substantial impact. (SLD)

Reports findings to date from a study under the auspices of the National Center for Postsecondary Governance and Finance concerning environmental actors relating to minority degree achievement in predominantly white four-year colleges and universities. Examines whether research results can really be linked to specific suggestions to improve campus…

Reports on the relationship between the seating patterns of students and their observed attitudes toward class activities in an English-as-a-Second-Language class. Discusses issues of physical territoriality, psycholinguistic territoriality, and active participation by students. (CFR)