Discusses responses related to the nature and purpose of history from a survey of historians. Contends that it is the appeal of history, rather than teaching methods, that captures the interest of high-school and college students. Applies Ernest Boyer's four principles of scholarship to the survey results. (CFR)

This paper explores how various perspectives influence inquiry in education. Normative perspectives function as implicit theories of inquiry as a researcher undertakes formal inquiry, and such theories should be acknowledged. Epistemological as well as methodological issues raised by conceiving of such theories as normative rather than merely…

If curriculum designers conclude, as Jacob Bronowski (author of "The Identity of Man," 1965) does, that the mind is not a machine and that knowledge cannot be programmed into humans like computers, then a model for education must be adopted which takes into consideration Bronowski's definitions of knowledge and self. This model must consider the…

The argument of this book is that the modern American university has given up its responsibility to provide a thoughtful, coherent, and well-articulated education to undergraduates. It is asserted that the university should be neither a trade school nor a repository of tradition, but rather an institution with the responsibility for the…

Defines the post-positivist approach to qualitative research as one that characterizes knowledge as neither conclusive, verifiable, or external to the human psyche. Instead it assumes knowledge to be socially and individually constructed. Argues for a more tolerant and creative understanding of the various research methodologies by their…

Predicts that the paradigms of chaos theory will rapidly move into the social sciences, resulting in major changes in educational research and the study of the curriculum. Discusses the need for new metaphors and paradigms in the social sciences. Briefly characterizes previous educational principles and approaches. (MJP)

F. Schrag is preoccupied with enhancing education, but who decides what enhancement is? He has confused positivism with empiricism. Positivism is a specific philosophical movement that is associated with logical positivism. The empiricism that Schrag labels positivism preceded the philosophic traditions. (SLD)

Asserts that western civilization's belief in the differentiation between object and subject impedes a true multicultural discourse. Praises the postmodernist approach, that self-evident reality is actually a politically constructed text, as being useful in identifying subjectivity. Argues for acknowledgment, rather than displacement of,…

This report presents themes in the integration of intercultural civics instruction into elementary and secondary curricula, themes that emerged as points of disagreement and discussion at a teacher training seminar held in Romania. Following an opening section that describes the seminar's format and aims, a second section reviews the discussions…

This paper addresses the social context of curriculum construction and development to show the relationship between school curricula and patterns of social organization control. The first section traces the history of the concept of curriculum based on sequence, prescription, and differentiation and links this concept to the prevailing ideology of…

This treatise on Ivan Illich, historian, philosopher, educator, and social critic, has less to do with the details of Illich's life than with his thought over the past three decades. The first section of each chapter (1-3) provides a brief biographical sketch of Illich during the decades 1968-1978, 1978-1988 and 1988-1998 and a discussion…

Compares and contrasts American Indian spirituality with European-American religion. European-American religion emphasizes theological interpretation and separateness between man and God. American Indian spirituality stresses direct experience of the holy, and unity between man and the spiritual world. Considers how the two might be incorporated…

Maintains that introductory sociology courses rely on a preponderance of jargon that obfuscates the nature of the discipline. Advocates communicating the nature of sociology by emphasizing its three main approaches: structural, systematic, and critical. Suggests that religious affiliation and economic status influence ability to think…

This book presents eight essays by Vine Deloria, Jr., a Standing Rock Sioux and professor of political science at the University of Colorado. Essays examine issues facing Native American students as they progress through the educational system, and aim to help Indian students place Western knowledge into the context of tribal and community…

Due to the technological power and high status science is given in our society, educational reform efforts will continue to focus on science education. However, the purpose of science education for a multicultural society remains problematic. The implications of using social constructivism as a referent for science education is discussed,…