Biography is a form of nonfiction that, when well-researched and well-written, can be as enjoyable and as engaging as the best of novels. The quality of these books can be judged by the quality of writing and by the honesty and accuracy in the presentation of the subject. There has to be in the text or in supporting materials some assurance that…

Contributions of the Swedish scholar and social critic Wilhelm Sjostrand are discussed. His interests included educational psychology, comparative education, and the history of education. (RM)

Whether or not knowledge about the painter Picasso is helpful or indispensable in teaching appreciation of his art is discussed. Three studies by Denis Thomas, Mary M. Gedo, and Frank Elgar that argue that knowledge of Picasso the man helps students understand his paintings are examined. (RM)

Describes origin and development of programs, focusing on affirmative action at the Faculty of Northern Peoples of Leningrad's Herzen Pedagogical Institute. Offers conclusions and implications for North America. Includes extensive bibliography, tables on Siberian populations and languages, and biographies of two Siberian educators and two female…

Activities that reinforce social studies instruction and improve writing skills are described, including: (1) writing resumes for historical figures; (2) "on-site" reporting of historical events; (3) defining social studies concepts; (4) perspective taking and letter writing; and (5) speech writing. (CJ)

Provides background information on the life and career of artist Faith Ringgold. Focuses on her work of art "Under a Blood Red Sky" and includes information on its subject matter. Includes lessons in visual arts, social studies, language arts, and music. (CMK)

Provides background information on the career of the artist, Allan Clark. Focuses on his sculpture titled "The King's Temptress" that was influenced by his visit to the Angkor Wat (Cambodia). Includes activities in visual arts, language arts, history, and social studies. (CMK)

Provides background information on the art movement called "Photorealism." Discusses the types of art and artists included in this movement. Offers learning activities about Photorealism. Offers background information on Richard Estes and describes the content of his work, "Fairway." (CMK)

Provides background information on constructivism. Focuses on Alexander Calder and includes teaching activities. Offers a reproduction of Alexander Calder's work "Flamingo," information on Calder's life and career as an artist, and details of the featured sculpture. (CMK)

New research on teaching involves qualitative, or ethnographic, methods. It is highly descriptive and often relies on narrative inquiry, which is embedded with messages about power, justice, and inequality. The new research relies on language and dialogue, using metaphors, stories, biographies, autobiographies, conversations, exemplars,…

George Dunlop saw the need for a scholarly outlet for educational research in Alberta, helped establish the "Alberta Journal of Educational Research," and actively fostered educational research at the University of Alberta until his death in 1966. Dunlop awards are presented for outstanding master's theses and doctoral dissertations by…

Reviews the accomplishments of John Glenn as a pilot, astronaut, senator, and pioneer in relation to his 1998 flight that made him the oldest person to ever travel into space. Includes photographs for students to study, and recommends classroom activities related to Glenn's career. (DSK)

Describes a rationale and method for crafting and analyzing personal/professional stories of leadership and administrative practice, based on doctoral students' interviews with experienced school administrators and educational leaders. Stories illustrate explicit rules used by administrators to manage problems and the more tacit assumptions…

Focuses on Thomas Hart Benton, describing his house and studio in Kansas City, Missouri. Considers issues such as his life as the child of a congressman, his formal and informal art education, and his artwork. (CMK)

Observes that little is ever taught in Canadian elementary and secondary social studies about Canada's first Governor General, Lord Charles Stanley Monck. Provides a brief introduction to his activities in the Confederation of the Canadian state that can be used by social studies teachers to construct lessons. (DSK)