A collection of papers that individually and collectively make the argument that critical thinking needs to be placed at the heart of educational reform make up this volume. Thirty-nine papers are organized into three main sections: Section I is entitled: What Is Critical Thinking? This section contains the following papers: (1) The critical…

One of a series of documents produced by a nationwide network of early childhood education specialists, teachers, parents, and Head Start staff, the document contains a language arts skills continuum to be used as a tool for individualizing instruction for students learning basic educational skills. A comprehensive set of learner objectives for…

The social studies objectives presented here are intended to serve as a guide for local Michigan school districts as they review and revise their individual social studies programs. Materials are divided into four sections: (1) Common goals of Michigan education are presented, emphasizing the need for citizenship education in the general…

The purpose of this unit is to help elementary students make new friends among their classmates and outside the classroom. The underlying rationale is that primary students especially can benefit from the study of the characteristics of friends because they need to learn how to interact with other children, to assist in overcoming the egocentric…

Evaluating the effectiveness of counseling requires the clear specification of expectations for changes in the client, deciding on how these changes are to be observed, choosing and implementing a treatment which will effect these changes, and assessing actual progress toward the goal. Evaluation becomes a part of the counseling process. (Author)

During a seven year period science materials, designed to promote discovery learning for children aged five to thirteen, were developed and revised on the basis of a formative evaluation. Student and teacher data were analyzed in order to determine which curriculum materials contributed to cognitive and affective objectives. (BJG)

A behavioral objective is defined as a statement that specifies an action, conditions under which it will be performed or observed, and level of performance expected. Use of behavioral objectives for more effective teaching is discussed for those unfamiliar with the technique. (JT)

This article first describes the growing trend of using criterion referenced tests, and then explores the need for setting standards for these types of tests. (RC)

The personal teaching objectives of a national sample of college and university teaching faculty during the 1972-1973 academic year are contrasted with the goals that they attribute to their institutions. A greater emphasis on vocational and community services goals are projected for future sociological training. [Available from American…

"Points of View" addresses issues faced by many people within the life sciences educational realm. This issue addresses the question "What should a biology student know?" There has been a long, evolving, and often politically charged debate as to what the nonmajor student should know about science. In order to establish a basis…

Presents a paradigm with which to view educational environments as they affect educational goals and influence student behavior. (Author/DW)

The Roger Tory Peterson Institute is concerned with creating experiences in which children face the mysteries and wonders of the natural world and understand their connection with nature. The purpose of the forum was to support the growth of these experiences and the people who create them. The forum covered three broad topics: (1) visions for the…

This fastback concentrates on writing technically correct test items that are compatible with the teacher's instructional objectives. The introductory chapter touches on some of the problems associated with preparing classroom tests. The second chapter outlines five steps in preparing a test according to the "Plan-Write" System: (1) prepare a…