Discusses certain teachers' rejection of prepackaged curricula for infusion of critical thinking skills into their teaching. Observational learning develops thinking skills and deepens understanding of causality and responsibility, whether the context is the Battle of Lexington or Chicken Little's dilemma. Strong administrative support is needed…

Assails schools for rushing into the thinking skills approach without examining advances in cognitive science, artificial intelligence, neuropsychology, and other brain-related disciplines. Blames the classroom situation itself for forcing teachers into counterproductive, direct teaching methods that don't work. Asserts the need for…

Focusing on the brain's natural functions, this article discusses specific teacher characteristics, teaching methods, and peripheral stimuli helping to activate appropriate learning behavior. Also identifies particular events and teacher behaviors that block learning and frustrate the brain's efforts to harmonize conflicts and admit new…

Repudiates Herbert Walberg's recent review article touting homework's beneficial effects on achievement scores. Presents evidence showing that good learning environments, interactive situations, and less restricted access to community and school resources (including new technologies) were of greater significance. Faults schools' organizational…

Responds to Bill Barber's recent article refuting the author's conclusions concerning the beneficial effects of homework on student achievement. Asserts that the amount, frequency, nature, conditions, and other characteristics of homework must be studied, not just homework versus none at all. Homework is one of many factors contributing to…

Since the United Nations adopted the International Bill of Human Rights in 1948, the deprivation of human rights has been rampant and brutal. To help students understand human rights devaluation and protection issues, teachers in all curricular areas can use three primary elements: knowledge, values, and social participation. (11 references) (MLH)

Human rights issues need to be taught in the context of Western civilization values, using literature and history sources, and not as separate courses based on newsworthy events. Students need to appreciate the desirability of democratic governments and the complexities of introducing democracy to nations lacking political and legal traditions. (9…

Examines the life and memoirs of Janusz Korczak (1878-1942), who attained considerable recognition as author, pediatrician, lecturer, publicist, philosopher, and educator. His greatest achievements were founding a unique, progressive child-raising method and directing an orphanage in the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II--until all were gassed by…

In the last decade, human rights has become a highly visible isssue in United States foreign policy. Schools can't sidestep this controversy, since human rights concerns are an inextricable part of U.S. political heritage. Schools can use a number of teaching approaches to help students understand the complexities and contradictions involved. (2…

Examines recent research to show that group-based mastery learning programs have consistently positive effects on student learning outcomes, including academic achievement, material retention, involvement in learning activities, and student attitudes. These programs also affect teachers and have considerable potential for implementation in regular…

Reminisces on a full and many-faceted career as teacher, counselor, and administrator at Briarcliff Public Schools (New York). This woman administrator shuns visions of a comfortable, leisurely retirement for the rewards and challenges of her everyday work with students, teachers, parents, and colleagues. (MLH

Discusses collaborative work as part of the school reform movement. Includes case examples of five collaborative programs. Also provides a list of guidelines for developing collaborative programs. (MD)

Discusses the importance of collaboration between teacher education institutions and schools. At the heart of these collaborations should be the goal of improving the way children learn in school. (MD)

The Yale Child Study Center collaborated with the New Haven School System and initiated a school improvement plan that was successful in improving schools for low income, perdominantly minority children. It used principles from behavioral and social sciences to change the social systems under which the schools operated. (MD)

The stages of development of the process of collaboration between Queens College, the New York City Board of Education, and Louis Armstrong Middle School, are presented in an effort to help universities and schools form partnerships. (MD)