This essay explores contemplative pedagogies in the writing center, a space the authors believe allows for practices of mindfulness, awareness, and reflection in organic ways, as writing center pedagogy focuses on the importance of the relational, flattening hierarchies, and a focus on the conversation between writer and tutor (or between…

Beginning with a storied moment of encounter at an academic conference in which several scholars confidently asserted the need to "humanize those who have been dehumanized", I engage in autobiographical narrative inquiry into my tensions with this seemingly "common sense" pedagogical belief and curricular approach. I do so by…

America is supposed to be a place of freedom and kindness. People from other countries look at America and see a place of opportunity where they can raise their children. Immigrants see America as a place where their children can receive a solid education and have a chance for a better life. Unfortunately, many Americans do not see it the way…

There has been much discussion regarding the apparent lack of ethics in leaders of public and private organizations, and elected officials. This commentary proposes a foundation that can be used to establish a standard for ethical leadership. The commentary is grounded in classical ethical theories that can be applied to today's leaders. The…

People face four fundamental dilemmas, which are essentially moral choices: (1) alleviating poverty; (2) removing the gap between rich and poor; (3) controlling the use of violence for political ends; and (4) changing the patterns of production and consumption and achieving the transition to sustainability. The world in which future generations…

Altruism is an ideal which is almost universally approved. It is argued here that such almost universal acceptance of altruism may be grounded on a failure to interrogate the complexity both of the philosophical construct and of the human motivation underpinning its implementation.

In this article, the author uses a personal story to challenge the definition of success--introducing Ann, who comes in last in a swimming competition, but wins after all. He has drawn on his years as a swim coach to generate a series of stories exploring the emotional side of learning and the role of compassion in teaching that too often lie…

Despite mixed signals from society and increasing economic pressures, the outlook for voluntarism is far from bleak. Although conventional wisdom holds that voluntarism declines during recessions and depressions, it has been strong during volatile periods in American history. The new volunteer finds the most personally suitable work. (MSE)

This paper examines the ways in which high school Canadian history textbooks authorized from 1945 to the present have represented national participation in wars and peace-making/keeping operations. I explore how national mythologies of Canada as a kinder, more tolerant, or less violent national body permeate the narratives of national history…

Suggests that reading programs should be structured to include group work and interaction so that children gain a sense of "I-Thou" community through reading instruction. (JC)