If the political science discipline is to succeed in conveying sound intelligence to the policy process and in providing training for students in nonacademic careers, major curriculum reforms will be needed. A policy science track with emphasis on applied policy analysis research skills and nonacademic career orientation should supplement the…

The classroom use of attribute blocks to develop thinking skills is defended in this article. Divergent-productive thinking is identified as an important skill that can be developed by using these blocks. However, teacher commitment and involvement in the program is considered necessary. Suggestions for using these blocks are included. (MA)

Examines concepts of justice and rights as they relate to equal education. The author applies these concepts to practical issues such as the interests of the children to be educated, community interests, handicapped students, high achievers, low achievers, and varied curricula. (Author/DB)

This discussion of the need for learning activities which promote critical thinking skills, creativity, and affective growth in children uses Bloom's Taxonomy as a guide for designing such activities based on children's literature. Several examples of projects based on specific children's books are provided. (CLB)

Instruction in thinking skills is possible and desirable, but educators must guard against assumptions that undermine the process. Eight fallacies that obstruct the teaching of critical thinking skills are presented. (MD)

Studies confirm the educational advantages and cost-effectiveness of high-quality early childhood programs and have made more persuasive the argument for developing such programs. The most important determinants of such programs are: group size, qualifications and training of staff, stability of care, and adult-child ratio. (MD)

This article views learning and attitude formation within the context of joint production. Tables show summary statistics and estimated marginal products and rates for each output. These estimates reveal trade-offs within the learning process that differ for men and women. (PB)

Discusses the nature of "right" and "wrong," considering how the terms apply to science in general and to the ideas of Einstein, Newton, and other scientists in particular. Indicates that, in one sense, the terms are not questions of science but matters of dogma. (JN)

A game was used to assess children's judgments about altruistic, cooperative, or competitive payoff. In a second experiment, small groups were asked to construct new words with the option to work alone or to collaborate. Children who regularly studied in cooperative small groups were more cooperative in both situations. (Author/CP)

Analyzes the performance of individuals in real brainstorming groups in an attempt to determine the relationship between individual ideational output, perceptions of status within the group, and communication apprehension. (JMF)

Explains the differences between successful and unsuccessful problem solvers' exploration of a problem, translation of information into different forms, approach to devising and executing a plan, and rechecking work. (RT)

Argues that developing general critical appreciation is one of the highest goals in education and that art education can foster such appreciation. Examines art's unique content and approaches to knowledge. Outlines a structure for integrating art production, art criticism, art history, and aesthetics in a model fostering general critical…

Discussed is the role of serendipity in the scientific method. Several examples from science history are provided. Described is the value of intuition on the part of the scientist. Six quotes from famous scientists are included. (CW)

Discusses the need for teaching creative thinking in the classroom. Cites two misconceptions to which the absence of emphasis on creative thinking is attributed. Provides strategies and example activities for promoting the skill. States that these procedures can increase student interest in science. (RT)

Describes a study conducted at an 8000-student Catholic university to determine whether critical thinking (CT) skills increase after four years of undergraduate education. Examines seven categories of CT: (1) truth-seeking; (2) open-mindedness; (3) analyticity; (4) systematicity; (5) CT self-confidence; (6) inquisitiveness; and (7) maturity of…