Examines the challenge of educating increasing numbers of minority and impoverished students to produce effective citizens and future workers. Offers a lesson on reconceptualizing European westward expansion to analyze the social construction of knowledge. Argues that schools can and must help students think critically, deal with social and…

Argues that definitions of culture are validated according to various social theories. Examines the contrasting views of culture provided by culture studies and structuation theory. Considers the implications of these contrasts for art educators. (MJP)

Distinguishes weak forms of critical thinking (restricted to logical thinking) from strong forms of critical pedagogy (incorporating a moral component into critical thinking). Sees evidence of weak forms in the 1987 California History-Social Science Framework. Contends that social studies must be interdisciplinary, global in perspective,…

Considers the gap between theory and practice in social studies education. Postulates this gap results from teachers utilizing critical thinking as a classroom strategy rather than committing to it as an ethic. Examines seven principles to illustrate critical thinking as a teaching ethic. Urges professors to embody this ethic in their teaching to…

In spite of its short history, education that is inclusive of LGBTQ issues has developed in three major paradigms: (1) safety; (2) equity; and (3) critical theory. A review of research and program evaluation of teacher education with regard to LGBTQ reveals only a limited number of studies--most of which fall within either the safety or equity…

The main objective of this self-study is to reflect and document the development of our own praxis by using teacher research in our teacher education courses. By praxis we mean an ongoing interdependent process in which reflection, including theoretical analysis, enlightens action, and in turn the transformed action changes our understanding of…

Advocates reconceptualizing visual arts as a core subject embodying key elements of experiential learning and critical thinking through an interdisciplinary approach. Illustrates this approach with a discussion of the interconnected issues surrounding family snapshots (social history, aesthetics, technological advancement). Discusses issues of…

Uses the film, "Dead Poets Society," to illustrate and discuss postmodernist issues in education. Although ostensibly a straightforward narrative of individuality versus conformity there are problematic areas in this film that lend themselves to multiple readings. The film reproduces a number of powerful myths without benefit of a…

Maintains that visual images of people contribute to how people perceive themselves and others. Explores ramifications of this under social conditions where pornography is evident and accessible. Examines definitions of pornography. Applies critical theory to art education, stressing that art educators should identify and critically study artworks…

The study of video game effects has been marked by two very different approaches. The first approach is represented by social scientists, who, with some exceptions, seek to understand the effects of games on users. The second approach is favored by humanists, who seek to understand the meaning and context of games. To date, these two groups have…

This paper examines the changing nature of metroregions and their schools. It discusses the influence of global neo-liberalism and resistance on processes of social differentiation through case studies of Chicago metroregion communities and schools. Using spatial theory, the paper argues that while the restructuring of metroregions creates…

This report examines the necessity for holistic learning--the integration of intellectual, social, and emotional aspects of learning at the undergraduate level. It reviews and evaluates research findings, theoretical models, and the relationship and interdependency of these developmental areas. An introductory chapter considers the increasing…

The study described here studied perspectives of mid-career teachers from minority and Anglo backgrounds on collaborative intellectual work and examined the ideologies underlying these perspectives. Analysis focused on the teachers' dialogical interaction in a small group (4 teachers) and a large group (28 teachers) in relation to immediate and…

Current concepts of critical thinking need to be reconstrued into the much broader concept of "critical being" and applied to higher education. Under this construct, critical persons (students) become more than just critical thinkers; they engage critically with the world and with themselves; they not only reflect critically on…

A critical ethnographic study followed six preservice teachers throughout their teacher education program at a medium sized state university in West Virginia. This segment of the study situates their student teaching experience within a broader social context and addresses the ways, as well as the extent to which, the student teachers' experiences…