Argues that eclecticism is not a viable teaching philosophy and examines reasons teachers follow the practice in the belief that students' learning needs are adequately met. Encourages teachers to examine their classroom practices, and to focus on, and listen to, individual students to determine the direction and pace of their learning experience.…

Presents the theories of Vygotsky and Bandura that provide the foundation for research on cross-age learning in multiple-age groupings. Discusses the cognitive, social, and emotional benefits children derive from mixed-age groupings. Outlines social learning contexts, such as learning centers and projects, and structural contexts, such as multiage…

A recent study indicated students in the United States do not understand basic math and science as well as students in other countries, and will not be prepared for decision making in a largely scientific and technological world. Suggests ways for parents to emphasize science at school, at home, on school field trips, with science fairs, and with…

Discusses how children's descriptions and evaluations of computer software are important ways to learn about how computers can be used in the learning process; describes how these evaluations can be an informal way of "child-testing" educational software. Offers examples of children's comments and suggests three Web sites that feature children's…

Providing accurate, authentic information about the differences among children encountered in the classroom every day is important to the process to explore diversity with children. Children's picture books can serve as one vehicle for bridging the gap as teachers attempt to open communication and foster environments of understanding and respect.…

Describes a program at Helen Baller Elementary School in Camus, Washington, called the Comfort Corner, part of the Primary Intervention Program. It provides a safe, supportive place for children who may be experiencing difficulty in classroom, playground, or home situations, by helping them build friendship skills, communication skills, and…

Examines the benefits of art education that go beyond art production to encompass an expansive view of art. Describes a kindergarten project called "Painting with Scissors" that implements this approach to art education. Through it, art became a way of knowing, understanding, and viewing the world; of constructing and expressing ideas; of bridging…

Examines efforts by educators in Taiwan to implement the project approach in early childhood settings. Discusses observed changes and benefits of parental involvement in their children's learning; describes the activities of one project that was implemented; and outlines the strategies used by the teachers to promote parental involvement in the…

Notes that alternative assessment techniques provide more comprehensive and authentic information about the learner than do traditional assessment techniques. Describes a variety of alternative assessment techniques (portfolios, journals, observations, self-assessment, classroom communication, surveys, and interviews) and illustrates how to use…

Notes that names are the first words most children write and that learning to write their name can be highly motivating for preschoolers. Addresses: why preschool children should be encouraged to write their names; organizing and facilitating the sign-in process at school; how children develop their ability to write their names; and the benefits…

Provides an overview of the types, challenges, and benefits of school, family, and community partnerships internationally. Discusses six types of involvement essential for a comprehensive program of partnerships in relation to the articles in this focused journal issue. Considers challenges and benefits of these partnerships as illustrated by the…

Presents an overview of policies and practices related to the parent-school relationship in nine countries including Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Considers reasons for involving parents in schools, discusses two types of parental participation in education, and offers…

Examines a project developed in Chile to promote collaboration between teachers and low-income parents, called Educando Juntos (Educating Together). Focuses on the changes in the quality of the relationship between teachers and parents, and how this, in turn, affected the children. Considers the theoretical underpinnings of the program, and…

Discusses four parent education programs carried out in a school in Gijon, Spain. Describes the social impetus for these programs, key components of their development and implementation, and the results for parents and the schools. Considers the effects of parenting education on parents' confidence and abilities and the limitations of the…

Introduces a rationale for involving parents in assessments of their children, particularly in the early years. Notes that joint assessment encompasses the earliest records parents keep about their infants, and parents' and professionals' systematic exchange of information, views, and concerns about the child. Discusses three parental assessment…