Maintains that (1) research questions must address intra- and extraorganism contextual relations and must be multidisciplinary in scope; (2) research must be sensitive to contextual variability and individual differences; and (3) scholars must develop empirically generative models linking the development of human beings with changing contexts. (BC)

Explores differences between college English and foreign-language departments' treatment of literature and culture education, making a case for enhancing foreign language pedagogy's transmission of culture and literature through restructured academic territories, reorganization of authority, and redistribution of resources. (19 references) (CB)

Explored similarities between psychosocial environments of consultee-centered consultation groups and task-oriented, social-recreational, and psychotherapy/mutual support groups as measured by the Group Environmental Scale (GES). Findings from 180 student teachers involved in consultee-centered mental health consultation groups revealed that GES…

Suggests using political fiction in teaching government or politics. Observes that many political novels reflect their authors' political philosophies and that good fiction about the U.S. political system is not easy to find. Provides an annotated bibliography of leading works of political fiction. (SG)

This paper discusses the assessment of psychiatric and behavior disorders occurring in people with developmental disorders and the problems arising when such behavior results in offenses against the law. The paper argues that a multidisciplinary approach is needed in such cases, given the complex interaction among possible brain pathology,…

This curriculum unit, intended for use with gifted students and others, uses the theme of queens and honors to develop writing skills across the curriculum. Sample learning activities are suggested for the areas of language arts, social studies, mathematics, and science. (DB)

Suggests a process for incorporating critical thinking into social science courses. Explains preparatory steps (e.g., learning how to teach thinking and redesigning courses to include discipline-specific and core thinking skills). Recommends ways of reworking lectures, demonstrations, discussions, experiential learning, and assignments to address…

Discusses the integration of aural, visual, tactile, and kinesthetic modalities into teaching to help at-risk students retain lessons. Suggests combining the "Learning to Read through the Arts" approach with sequential arts instruction. Recommends musical pieces to be used while students listen, discuss, and record their analysis of the…

This response to a description of a psychotropic drug review process, TAPER, suggests that the data supporting the reported low rate and dosage level of psychotropic drug use resulting from the process were misleading and inaccurate. Implications of such a drug review process for facilities serving people with developmental disabilities are drawn.…

Helping students to make essential connections of science content is often difficult, yet necessary to ensure a true understanding of science. A teacher offers insights on how pyruvic acid can be used to help students make connections in chemistry and biology. (ZWH)

At the Central Virginia Governor's School for Science and Technology, a variety of techniques are used to infuse technology concepts throughout the curriculum as part of school reform. Technology infusion categories are (1) increasing productivity (through infusion of productivity tools); (2) exposing students to emerging technologies; and (3)…

Describes some of the ways children in a kindergarten, grade one, and grade two combination class learn math by choosing to do it in real, sensible, and interesting ways. This whole math approach has children develop their own problems to investigate specific topics that combine math, science, problem solving, and the language arts. (MDM)

A five-phase model for integrating women's issues into the traditional college curriculum is outlined, with examples from five disciplines. The model is then applied to the medical curriculum, as a means of creating a curriculum for a specialty in women's health or including women's health in general medicine/medical specialties. (MSE)

A study investigated the effects of an interdisciplinary course on the scientific method on the attitudes of 34 college students toward the paranormal. Results indicated that the course substantially reduced belief in the paranormal, relative to a control group. Student beliefs in their own paranormal powers, however, did not change. (Author/MSE)

Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine conducts an off-campus retreat for medical residents, in which the instructional focus is on the humanities and particularly difficult medical and ethical issues. Students have found the format beneficial both personally and professionally, valuing involvement of senior faculty, the programs'…