What is social studies but the preparation of an active, informed, and critical citizenry? Primarily, the social studies should not rely on memorizing questionable "facts," but should focus on transformative approaches that allow critical analysis and problem solving on issues within history, government, and economics. Noting that…

The world of work has changed dramatically over the years. Many researchers have enhanced career development theories, and recently there have been efforts to explore the possible convergence of the major theories or, at least, more effectively bridge theory and practice. This document explains several theories that can be used to revise current…

The following article provides a look at the creative process through the eyes of positive psychology. It describes first how creativity fits into the theory behind this field, then goes on to trace how a positive psychologist might consider this construct: observing how it functions therapeutically in the natural environment, then theorizing…

Few career counseling theories have had the long-standing background of Hollands RIASEC theory. His theory, which espouses that job satisfaction increases when there is congruence between individuals interests and environments, has resulted in many practical, reliable, and valid inventories, such as the Self-Directed Search (SDS). The majority of…

This collection of essays reveals a keen awareness of the degree to which ethics and ethical systems are located in particular instructional contexts. The essays consider the implications of these contexts from a variety of perspectives, both theoretical and pedagogical. In the collection's first part, Ethics and the Composition Classroom, are the…

This paper offers a brief outline of current Canadian research contributing to the understanding of quality in early child care and education, and highlights, as a means of demonstrating elements of high quality, a range of early childhood care and education programs, policies, and practices offered in Canada. Three separate components of Canadian…

This paper offers a history of curriculum research. It discusses how, by 1969, the conventional curriculum field in America had become irrelevant. This situation would change in the 1970s as curriculum research began its climb back toward legitimacy. During the decade, a new trend in synoptic curriculum efforts appeared--a more considered approach…

Based on the work of theorists Dewey, Piaget, Vygotsky, Feuerstein, Gardner, and Diamond, this paper presents the constructivist or brain compatible classroom as illustrated by descriptions of classroom activities of students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. The paper explores how teachers, the "new architects of the intellect,"…

This book offers guidance for the development of learning communities at the college level. The book analyzes examples of learning communities at a wide variety of institutions, including research universities, commuter campuses, residential campuses, and four- and two-year institutions. Chapter 1 offers definitions and characteristics of learning…

Technology is a word which seems unavoidable now in discussions of literacy theory and practice. The question of what form literacies will take in a century likely to be defined by a new technological environment has become a present issue for nearly everyone involved with literacy today. This paper contends that at the core of both the excitement…

This paper discusses some misconceptions about person-centered therapy being incompatible with brief counseling. Three major reasons contribute to why the person-centered approach has been omitted from the literature related to brief counseling. First, brief counseling was initially identified with the cognitive-behavioral school of therapy.…

It is difficult to grasp multiple-intelligences theory and implement its implications effectively. MI is not a quick fix. However, educators who thoughtfully use the theory to support their larger educational goals find it a worthy partner in school improvement. The author praises the efforts of several researchers and practitioners in this…

Discusses five prevailing theories of learning that deal with the role of action in environmental education programs within a classroom or school. These theories include the information-based theory, behavioral approaches, the community problem solving/action research theory, the integrated approach, and the bonding with nature model. Presents the…

Presents a case study of an experienced high school chemistry teacher. Examines the teacher's conceptions about teaching science and compares them with the observed patterns of practice. Highlights the complexity of characterizing a teacher's thinking and its relationship to actions. Discusses the value of the insight researchers gain from sharing…

Although works on specific restructuring initiatives are prevalent, few focus on meaning and organizational implications inherent in American restructuring efforts. Motivated by scarcity of conceptual literature, this article aims to provide researchers and practitioners with a framework for thinking about restructuring process in educational…