The purpose of the conference reported in these proceedings was to help enrich the field of critical thinking through the perspectives of scholars and professional practitioners in a variety of academic disciplines. The papers included in these proceedings reflect the thoughts of 49 authors representing 10 academic fields. After the presentation of the plenary session papers, the volume is divided into four sections which include papers addressing the goals and purposes of education, general approaches, the nature of teachers' professional knowledge, and specific techniques for teaching and learning. Central issues in critical thinking are addressed with a focus on aspects of educational theory and practice that relate critical thinking to education--for teachers, students, administrators, and the communities served. Some topics covered are: educational reform, views of democracy and implications for education, literacy, intellectual rights, the role of the university, critical thinking and cooperative learning, course and curriculum improvement, faculty development, training teachers for critical thinking, teaching methods, teaching critical thinking across the curriculum, moral education, and teacher improvement. (LL)