Christine Sleeter wrote this essay in response to the topic "Even Laureates Were Beginners Once: Lessons Learned Along the Way," which was the title of the Laureate Panel at the Kappa Delta Pi Convocation in October 2017.

In an era that is rife with aggression and hostility, most art educators hold close to their hearts the belief that they, and their students, can contribute to making the world a better place. Through their acts as teachers and the daily work of art education, they often strive toward creating a space of "non-violence." For K-12…

In this paper, the author seeks to initiate a conversation about the discomfort that can emerge and the violence that might possibly take place in the "critical", dialogic, and justice-oriented Foundations of Education classroom between students and instructors when all are invited to negotiate "the necessary conditions" for learning. Believing…

The term "political activity" can be interpreted in a myriad of different ways, but in this paper, it is taken to mean involvement in a variety of campaigns around issues affecting the way we live and the sort of society we want to live in. At a time when support for the main political parties has never been weaker, it is essential that…

What should be the role of our institutions of higher education? To promote good moral character? To bring an end to racism, sexism, economic oppression, and other social ills? To foster diversity and democracy and produce responsible citizens? In "Save the World On Your Own Time", Stanley Fish argues that, however laudable these goals might be,…

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…

Stresses the importance of teacher awareness in helping children cope with divorce. Curriculum activities which present different life-styles and situations are suggested. (Author/DB)

Demonstrates the problems of attempting to lay down hard and fast rules for teaching controversial issues. Teachers must consider the circumstances of each classroom, the specific constraints operating in each school, and the knowledge, values, and experiences that students already have. (JOW)

Claims that undergraduate curricula show a tension between a commitment to diversity and a commitment to coherence. Argues that the issues of "minority" students--including Blacks, homosexuals, and women--must be included to teach the value of encountering, listening to, and establishing a connection with different lifestyles and…

Because law teachers model lawyering, they need to both expand their own sense of professional responsibility and challenge students' feeling that one course takes care of ethical concerns. A course in professional responsibility is more than just another course about rules. Ethical issues must be integrated into traditional substantive courses.…

Discusses a parent's expectations of a secondary social studies program. Examined are three main areas: mechanics (standard procedures of outstanding social studies teachers such as good preparation and knowledge), content, and teacher expectations. (RM)

The responsibility of connecting theory and practice when developing physical education units falls on the teacher rather than on the theorist. The teacher is most familiar with the students and environment where the program takes place. Suggestions for connecting theory and practice are discussed. (DF)

Suggests that elementary self-contained classroom teachers be provided with specific statewide content guidelines. The content should be based upon Piaget's theory of cognitive development. (Author/KC)

Online courses raise instructional concerns about goals, philosophy, changes in teaching and teacher roles, and evaluation. Creating interactivity is a crucial issue. Organizational issues include face-to-face components, group interaction, and prerequisites. Institutions must be concerned about faculty incentives, access and equity, ongoing…

Offers suggestions for instructors to consider in training journalism students to be reporters; specifically, that they emphasize the importance of observation, the development of creativity, and reporting over writing. (FL)