In this article, the author shares some of the tricky discussions he has presented to his students in his "Argument and Persuasion" course, a second-level writing class designed to develop students' skills in reasoning, conducting research, and writing essays. He relates how this course always makes it difficult for him to be neutral when…

In this article, I examine the role of teacher racial identity on teaching strategy and the treatment of race in classroom discussions. I explicate how the pattern of minimizing the negative racial comments made to English language learners played out in participants' teaching and how it is reflective of socially constructed notions of race and…

Explores the concept of "null curriculum"--what schools do not teach. Attempts to define the term, focusing on possible uses in theory, research, and practice. While hard to define and limited as a research concept, "null curriculum" can inform cosiderations of curriculum goals, content, and selection criteria. Lists eight…

The article explores writing-centered pedagogies that deepen student learning in literature survey courses. More broadly, the article also responds to Richard Fulkerson and Maureen Daly Goggin, who challenge professors of English studies to find disciplinary unity within the diverse epistemologies of rhetoric. (Contains 5 notes.)

This forum reconstructs a roundtable discussion about the academic responsibilities of International Relations professors with respect to their undergraduate students. Specifically, participants discuss the proper pedagogical role of professors' personal political beliefs and the best ways to encourage undergraduate students to engage political…

One's conceptions define what is worth learning about war and peace and why. Educators must make important choices of content. Three conceptions of peace education are discussed: those that focus on information, those that center on issues, and those dealing with attitudes. (RM)

In reader responses to a previous article, it is suggested that cultural content is less important than the method by which material is presented to students; McCarthy argues that students must be free to develop good evaluative thinking. (two references) (LB)

Teaching an evening course in economics at an Adult Education Institute can be challenging. But it is very different from teaching economics in a college. Discusses adults' motives for studying economics, what economics should be taught, teaching methods, and ways to facilitate classroom discussion. (RM)

Leo Strauss' views concerning the way to teach political philosophy are discussed. The essay begins with a summary of Strauss' general conception of classical political philosophy. The remainder of the essay discusses the content of Strauss' book "What is Political Philosophy?" (RM)

One professor's approach to developing a course on French writers of the revolutionary era is presented. The lecture/discussion/oral report course was taught entirely in French and included a variety of literary genres. The syllabus, weekly log of lecture/discussion topics, and a bibliography are appended. (LB)

Most teachers shy away from the discussion of controversial issues in the classroom. But, Mr. Winn fears, if students are not given the guidance and opportunity to engage in critical thinking and discourse in school, they will not be capable of carrying out their responsibilities as citizens in a democratic society. In this article, the author…

Hegel's teaching is often omitted or considered summarily in political philosophy courses. In order to reduce these difficulties, an introductory discussion of Hegel's political thought in the context of a dialogue is presented. (RM)

Discusses the proper use of themes in teaching. Examines the five themes of geography: location, place, interaction, movement, and region. Presents counterpoints demonstrating the value of analogies as a less direct way of introducing a theme. Argues that teaching is an art and a craft requiring diplomacy and creativity. (DK)

Language study is classified through a series of definitions of important terms such as dialects, register, speech production, and function words. The content of communications is examined by attributing content to linguistic mediums. An example is presented to illustrate that teaching a language entails more than merely teaching grammar. The…

Discusses issues related to teaching about orbitals in beginning chemistry courses. Lavoisier's rule, Lewis's orbitals, Pauli's principle, the physics related to chemical concepts are examined. The American Chemical Society's Committee on Professional Training's position on these issues is briefly addressed. (JN)