The first of two volumes dedicated to this little-explored topic, this volume gathers international perspectives to critically assess how Waldorf education has been perceived and discussed in both public and academic arenas. The book thereby challenges the historical concept of Waldorf education as an international movement championing…

Examines modern functionalist theory including theoretical bases and historical development. Considers, in the light of functionalist tenets, exemplary educational research in the field of modernization theory. Includes a critique of some overt and covert assumptions of functionalist educational research and suggests some avenues for more…

Conference sessions of the Peace Education Commission (PEC), a transnational network of people interested in peace education and research related to peace education, are reported in this document. Following an introductory overview of the conference as a whole, the report is divided into four parts. The first part contains three area studies; that…

States the issue of research methodology is a concern of comparative education. Defines comparative education as an elaborate form of mediating between cross-cultural data and social scientific theories. Presents analytical possibilities for methodological analysis and sociohistorical reconstruction. Includes an extensive bibliography. (NL)

The global status of comparative education from the 1960s to the present is presented in three parts. Part 1 comprises a general review of the background to seven regional studies. The review provides a picture of the overall historical development; the modifications in the concept of comparative education that have occurred; the general…

Reviews the European response to U.S. women's colleges. Contends that most international visitors believed that the United States was the world leader in women's rights in the latter part of the nineteenth century. Concludes that women's colleges' influence as models was limited severly by generally negative perceptions of all U. S. colleges. (CFR)

Provides a reaction by three economic educators to an article by Raymond C. Miller calling for the elimination of economics. Contends that traditional economics does not necessarily lead to the degradation of the environment. Argues that economics should not promote any set of social values. (CFR)

Supports the arguments in the author's earlier article in which he calls for ending the teaching of economics. Maintains that criticism of his views are based on faulty understanding of neoclassical economics. Concludes that economics cannot be value-free, and environmental concerns must be addressed in economics and social studies education. (CFR)

Contends that appropriate day care for infants and toddlers is still an unresolved issue. Examines international research and identifies preconditions for transferring good practices to Germany. Argues for child care that allows more individual attention to the child. (CFR)

During the 1950s-60s, a "people as clay" metaphor undergirded the most widely accepted English-language, predominantly North American writings on education for Third World development. Writings based on "people as growing plants" challenged the earlier writings from the late 1960s-late 1970s. Late 1970s developments have helped…

Discusses the heuristic value of John Meyer's social theory on citizenship, education, and the nation state in relation to Fritz Ringer's three dimensions of education. Suggests that national differences correspond to differences in centralized or decentralized education policies. (CFR)

Reports observations of Germany's teacher education programs by an Irish teacher educator. Describes lessons on curriculum design and planning instruction. Contends that German teachers believe that education should develop self-confident, knowledgeable students who will be active participants in a democratic society. (CFR)

Considers the contrasts and changing nature of teaching in France, England, and the United States. Reveals that sweeping public policy directives in the early 1960s created radically different educational institutions in England and France. By contrast, the United States has remained fairly constant with its emphasis on local autonomy. (MJP)

Provides an introduction to the German educational theory of didaktik. Didaktik emphasizes critical thinking incorporated into content instruction. Although originally developed in the 19th century, didaktik has enjoyed renewed popularity within the last 10 years. Discusses the history of the theory and its impact on U.S. pedagogy. (MJP)

Reviews Hermann Rohrs' and Volker Lenhart's, "Progressive Education Across the Continents: A Handbook." Focusing on the internationalism of progressive education, the book describes how the theory behind that movement has evolved over the last hundred years. Briefly critiques some chapters and articles in the book. (MJP)