Describes a collaborative, five-year project in the southwest to develop and explore ways of overcoming school culture obstacles to restructuring. Discusses four promising interconnected conditions--group dialog, public mindfulness, "outsider" questioners, and dialog facilitators--using examples from the project school, which seeks to…

This editorial notes the differences between the language of science and the language of special education practice; stresses the need for communication between these groups; notes the need for publications in both areas; and urges continued dialog among researchers, practitioners, and parents. (DB)

Describes a continuously evolving, successful Wisconsin model of action research that relies on the collaborative work of schools and universities to improve K-12 programs. The entire collaborative action research model is possible without any reassignment of responsibilities for teachers or faculty. (SM)

Illustrates how reflection-in-action contributes to the development of professional expertise and points to the need for new, more direct approaches to demonstrating the relationship between classroom experience and university courses. It argues that traditional teacher education practice lags behind in developing understanding of thought and…

The relationship between phenomenography, an approach to research that aims to identify and describe individuals' qualitatively different experiences, and learning is examined. A number of problems in teaching and learning are then explored from this perspective. It is stressed that students' unique experiences are fundamental to what they learn.…

A discussion of hermeneutics focuses on the central role of language in learning. Four areas of understanding, all realized through language, are identified. It is argued that, with a hermeneutic approach, both cognitive and student-centered approaches to teaching are transcended and fused into a broader conception of understanding. (Author/MSE)

A model of higher education learning and teaching based on systems theory, in which all parts of the teaching-learning context are seen as seeking equilibrium, is proposed. The task of the teacher is seen as achieving good teaching practices that are workable within the existing matrix of systems and subsystems. (Author/MSE)

Discusses the school-based mentoring process supporting teachers' initial training, drawing from practical applications and theoretical frameworks. Mentoring development in any school is affected by several factors, including whole-school and communication issues, challenges and conflicts, available resources, management of the learning…

In social work literature, explanations for new graduates' difficulties include role-organizational conflict, problems with learning transfer, assumptions about theory and practice, and experience of oppositions. Three modes of discourse (technical rationality, practical reflectivity, critical reflectivity) have different ideas and ideals about…

Reflects on themes of two North American adult education conferences: political economy of adult education, social construction of adult education knowledge, community-based adult education, and links among heritage, memory, and adult education. (SK)

Based on the thesis that individual learning and growth are based on actual life experiences, proposes a model in preparation programs for school administrators. Discusses how the inclusion of personal experience helps to bridge a critical gap between professors of school administration and practicing administrators. (13 references) (MLF)

Discusses teaching and the social reconstructionist view of reflection that underlies the University of Wisconsin-Madison elementary teacher education program. The paper examines action research in the student teaching curriculum and the way it is facilitated by one supervisor, and analyzes written reports of research projects by 18 student…

Suggests that the basic challenge for multicultural education is the development of communication curricula that are appropriate to multicultural settings. Proposes reexamining perspectives, theories, and methods to understand valid principles that enable generalizable insights. (PRA)

Outlines a master syllabus for introductory intercultural communication courses. Overviews the major issues instructors must face when they teach such a course at any level of instruction. Discusses philosophical issues, pedagogical issues, course content (objectives, texts, written assignments), and available resources and teaching techniques.…

The article reviews theoretical and research bases for the design and effects of the adaptive instructional approach for students with special needs in the regular classroom. Research indicates that the program can be implemented in a variety of school settings when supported by systematic staff development and organizational support. (Author/DB)