Effective teaching is not a concept which can be separated from the person who is teaching. Scholars who abstract observed teaching behaviors to create an objective, error-free, fictitious "effective teacher" don't seem to realize the quantitative and qualitative differences between their nonhuman creation and a living teacher. (SJL)

Describes and provides evidence for three propositions for improving professional continuing education: (1) the goal of professional practice is wise action; (2) knowledge acquired from practice is essential to achieve this goal; and (3) a model of learning from practice should be the centerpiece of professional continuing education. (SK)

Notes that fuzzy-trace theory has been used to understand false memories of children. Demonstrates the irony imbedded in the theory, maintaining that a central implication of fuzzy-trace theory is that some errors characterized as false memories are not really false at all. These errors, when applied to false alarms to related lures, are best…

People can use a variety of different strategies to perform tasks and these strategies all have two characteristics in common. First, they can be evaluated in comparison with either an absolute or a relative standard. Second, they can be used at varying levels of consistency. In the present article, the authors develop a general theory of task…

Structural views assume that a single, comprehensive system of thought underlies cognitive activity. Although developmental research with both children and adults has tended to assume the validity of a structural model of cognitive development, this assumption may be invalid when applied to the social cognitive judgments of adults. There are two…

Evaluates the Rust Conference held in 1985 in Vienna, Austria. Explains that the workshop topic, "Central American Challenge," was used as an experimental application of the person-centered approach to conflict resolution in an international context. Concludes by admitting limitations and expresses optimism that this approach can be used…

Discusses the dynamics of emotional inclusiveness and applies it to the realm of citizen diplomacy in international relations. Argues that one must be able to emotionally encompass the system that one aspires to influence in order to transcend the inner polarities that perpetuate and reify splits in relationships. (BR)

If schools are to succeed in teaching critical thinking, educators must have a clear idea of what it is. Critical thinking is skillful, responsible thinking that relies upon criteria, is self-correcting, and is sensitive to context. (TE)

Reviews questions that arise when considering critical thinking in the process of education. Key issues discussed include the definition of critical thought and effective ways to facilitate critical thinking skills. Concludes with an analysis of how children use thinking skills and the factors teachers need to consider when designing…

This study assessed a model of the relationship between critical thinking and political participation. Findings indicated that critical thinking has indirect positive effects on orientations toward political participation, that critical thinking positively affects personal control, political efficacy, and democratic attitude, and that personal…

Examines the characteristics of incrementalism as it defines the present system in competitive debate. Outlines the strengths and weaknesses of this slow and deliberate pursuit of diverse goals and contends that it holds much argumentative promise. (JMF)

The choice between experimental research or process-oriented oriented research as the only valid paradigm of evaluation research is rejected. It is argued that there is a middle ground. Suggestions are made for mixing the two approaches to suit particular research settings. (Author/GK)

Examines the assessment of work-based learning, noting distinctions between "pure" and "professional" knowledge by offering a genealogy of learning; asserting that the distinction between academic and non-academic learning has become what Dewey termed a false dualism; examining relationships between judgment, activity,…

A model of reactions to career barriers explains how people differ in appraising situations and establishing coping strategies based on a mix of emotional and cognitive processes, appraisal styles, and predispositions. (SK)

Recommends moving from debates between spectators and actors about knowledge and practice to discussions about how all educators can foster good judgment, outlining Aristotle's and Kant's accounts of judgment, which ultimately privilege spectators, and introducing Arendt's work. Arendt linked thinking and acting without privileging either in her…