This study explores the concept of finding pleasure in social and ecological caring from the a/r/tographic stance of the author as artist, researcher, and teacher. I combine place-based and visual culture art education with multicultural children's picture books to promote more connection and pleasure in the teaching and learning process. The…

A practicum was designed to enhance prekindergarten through eighth grade students' standards of conduct with the assistance of parents, teachers, and the school librarian. Literature themes, discussions, and five special programs were the major components for an 8-month period. Students were encouraged to exhibit positive behaviors, and respect,…

A study examined the responses of 10 students taking Miami University's 1990 College Composition Proficiency Exam which asked students to evaluate their own learning experiences with teaching, learning, and knowledge in and out of school. Scores ranged from 2 to 12; all 10 of the examined essays received a score of 11. Five students were male, and…

Contemporary American college students are compared with students of the 1960s, whose actions have become points of reference for discussions of the pre-1960s and post-1960s. Longitudinal studies are reviewed that indicate the gap within the generation of young people in 1969 was greater than the gap between the generations. The campus was…

Critical thinking is seldom effective at encouraging students to challenge and examine preconceived positions. There is a tendency to use the rigorous questioning methods to defend preconceived positions and deflect the serious consideration of alternatives. An exercise that focused on the Cuban missile crisis is described. (MLW)

Data from a national study of college student attitudes, values, and political and academic preferences are examined for significant trends, and their implications for change in higher education are discussed. (MSE)

French research in 1977 on perceptions/aspirations of upper secondary school students in France, England, and Italy about their personal and social future, further developed with 148 students in Italy in 1979-80, indicated that young people long for values and "public" and "private" dimensions of life are important for them.…

Recounts a series of teaching exercises designed to develop a critical awareness of attitudes toward gays and lesbians. The first set consists of short, active-listening exercises between students. The second involves observation and comparison of public displays of affection between heterosexual couples and gay couples. (MJP)

Describes the Scale of Service Learning Involvement, developed to validate a service-learning model of developmental processes experienced by students engaged in community volunteer work, from sporadic involvement to internalization of social responsibility, and to assess student outcomes. Reliability, concurrent validity, and contrasting group…

Gifted and regular high school students (n=158) completed a questionnaire on beliefs in fixed ability to learn, simple knowledge, quick learning, and certain knowledge; then advised a hypothetical student about going to college despite poor grades and few resources; and reported their feelings toward school and expectations of college demands.…

A review of national college student surveys since 1966 reveals that trends in student attitudes focusing more on material goals and less on social problems are beginning to reverse direction. There is growing evidence of increasing orientation toward social activism and protection of the environment. (Author/MSE)

Contends that the key questions in civic education are How should people be treated? and How should disputes between people be resolved? Argues that a moral system is necessary for a civil society and that schools have a responsibility to encourage common-sense notions of ethical behavior. Includes classroom activities to illustrate this approach.…

Relates a narrative of a boy's life from his elementary school years through his early adult years. Reports on how his early empathy for the economic and social status of migrant workers changed as a result of parental pressure. Concludes that parents often send children conflicting messages about ethics and values. (CFR)

Presents a broad discussion on developing concepts of peace education, noting the importance of including peace education in children's education. Examines peace education and assumptions about child development, the child as creator of a better world, the child and the group (in the classroom and in society), peace education for life, and the…

A study based on data from 1,500 students at 20 colleges and universities found that students who combined community service and academic study (service learning) differed from those who did not, in their target attitudes, skills, values, and understanding of social issues. Participation in service learning had an impact on these outcomes over the…