Introduces a tool for rethinking the sources of the distinctions between "us" and "them." Considers two approaches to extending the reach of organizational communication research based on this framework. Hopes to move organizational communication concepts into more influential positions in the existing network of practice, and that doing so will…

Presents key concepts of chaos theory (CT) as a general framework for describing organizational crisis and crisis communication. Discusses principles of predictability, sensitive dependence on initial conditions, bifurcation as system breakdown, emergent self-organization, and fractals and strange attractors as principles of organization. Explores…

A grounded meta-analytic technique for comparing organizational interventions derived from rational-based strategies (e.g., management-by-objectives, planned change) with organizational culture-based strategies (organizational culture, climate) is described. The method is seen as useful for integrating qualitative and quantitative research.…

Examines the theoretical dichotomy existing between expressionists and social constructionists in the areas of writing conventions, writing teacher roles, and the positions that writers assume in their discourse. Identifies serious implications for writing instruction because of the exclusionary nature and rhetorical focus of each theory. (KEH)

The theoretical approaches taken by the LOGIST and BILOG computer programs for estimating the parameters of the three-parameter logistic item response model, and their practical consequences, are compared. Guidelines for choosing between the programs for particular applications are offered. (SLD)

This report is intended to assist teachers, administrators, parents, and community leaders in achieving excellence in California's public elementary education. The report is also designed to help teachers and administrators engage elementary school students in a thinking curriculum that immerses students in a rich learning environment that…

It is argued that professional education should be centered on enhancing the professional person's ability for "reflection-in-action," which is learning by doing and developing the ability for continued learned throughout the professional's career. Examples are drawn from an architectural design studio and the arts to demonstrate how…

Knowledge of student development theory has direct practical benefits for the college financial aid administrator. Developmental theories of Arthur Chickering and William Perry provide expectations for student behavior and suggest interventions for these aid-related areas: monitoring academic progress; student employment; student debt counseling;…

In English as a second language/English as a foreign language classrooms where teacher-fronted instruction is still the norm, small group work tends to be avoided because conversational activities among nonnative speakers are generally thought to be of little use. The validity of small-group work among nonnative speakers is defended with both…

This module discusses the theory and practice of school improvement and outlines a nine-step systematic problem-solving process for developing an action plan addressing school improvement goals. The first section describes a general model for the study of the school as a social system, as developed by Getzels and Thelen (1960). The second section…

Organized around the ISLLC standards, this text introduces students to the concepts and theories of educational leadership. The new edition adds coverage of such topics as data usage, ethics, innovative hiring practices, and student discipline. Appearing in the second edition are chapter-ending sections called "Point-Counterpoint" which prompt…

This document presents a social role negotiation model to be used in the prevention of alcohol and other drugs on college campuses. Section I focuses on theories and theorizing, explaining the fundamental aspects of a theory formulation project. Section II explores the historical and social context of the social role negotiation model. Patterns of…

This book introduces music reading skills in 21 lessons that focus on the violin but which may be applied to the study of any musical instrument. The lessons are designed for beginning music students and build upon previous lessons in the book. This volume focuses on the violin because of the large number of students presently learning to play it…

For schools and classrooms to become places of achieving goals, educators and students must cooperate to further learning. Cooperative learning in education means overcoming the competition and individualism present in traditional educational models. This book is designed to help educators understand and implement cooperative learning. It includes…

A speech/language remediation-intervention model is proposed to enhance processing of auditory information in students with language or learning disabilities. Such children have difficulty attending to language signals (verbal and nonverbal responses ranging from facial expressions and gestures to those requiring the generation of complex…