A review of the history and development of experiential learning in its educational and therapeutic contexts emphasizes the value of self-awareness as a prerequisite to interpersonal and group development. It also serves to underscore the potential of the Self Awareness and Interpersonal Communication (SAIC) program in an American society with…

Many factors contribute to teacher stress and burnout including discipline problems, physical and emotional abuse of teachers, low pay, little support from superiors, public criticism of educational quality, and an almost traditional attitude of low esteem for teachers as professionals. The failings of current teacher education indicate that…

The most pressing needs of elementary and secondary education for the 1980s are likely to be in four areas. Federal assistance will still be necessary to furnish real educational opportunity for disadvantaged children. Federal encouragement and support is needed to reverse the neglect of citizenship education. The transition of children and youth…

This book is one of a series of publications preserving the best writing and speeches of outstanding leaders of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Jay Bryan Nash was one of the founders of the Alliance. The speeches and essays by Nash in this collection are, for the most part, appearing in published form…

This pamphlet is the eighth in a series of ten stemming from the view that language is central to learning, that teachers can gain insights into their work and into learning by examining the language of the classroom, and that current language theory can be the means to such insights. The pamphlet contains a discussion of the uses of language in…

This article reflects upon three issues of policy and purpose of vocational education: (1) providing equality of educational opportunity, (2) the goals of the field, and (3) interpreting the goals for postsecondary preparatory programs. Focus is on postsecondary programs. (CT)

School curricula reflect the sociocultural values held by society. As such, curricula may adopt: (1) a philosophically humanistic, individual-sensitive orientation, or (2) an economically-driven, social development orientation. This first orientation supports self-realization and prioritizes a broad-based and multidisciplinary school curriculum.…

This article provides a rationale to support the position that the violence at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, was driven by the attempt of Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold to choose violence, suicide, and death as an alternative to the pain caused by a negative self-concept and a lack of meaning in their attempt to resolve questions of…

The challenge of involving older adults in education must be met by reevaluating current concepts and developing new approaches. A primary goal should be the creation of a supportive environment that is accessible and enhances self-directed learning. (SK)

Vocational agriculture programs have many built-in aspects that can help low ability students develop a favorable self-concept. To influence a student's self-concept, a teacher must be or become a "significant other" in the student's life. In addition, teachers should create a proper classroom atmosphere and encourage/supervise student activities…

The author describes aspects of the size and organizational structure of high schools which reduce human contact and have a negative influence on the sense of community, the development of relationships, and the formation of personal identity. (Author/SJL)

Five traits common to gifted children that result in social and emotional vulnerability are described, including divergent thinking ability, excitability, sensitivity, perceptiveness, and entelechy. Specific issues that parents must face to enable their children to reach their full potential are explored. (Author/JDD)

Analysis of Al-Anon and Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA) organizational literature shows women's articulation of and responses to the problems of codependence from the 1950s to the 1980s. Progressive appropriation of feminist ideals, a critique of the family, and a disease-based model of family dysfunction characterize understanding of…

The author reminisces about her childhood on a farm in rural northern Maine, her family history that included 19th-century settlers from New Brunswick (Canada) and her education in a one-room school. After living in Washington, D.C., for 30 years, she retired and returned to live in the area where she grew up. (LP)

A "Guide to Listening" to the ways people describe their experiences is outlined. The literary, clinical, and feminist dimensions of the method used in the "Guide to Listening" are discussed. A case study of a 12-year-old girl illustrates the method. (LB)