The author presents an international perspective on life skills education arguing the development of a healthy self-concept and skills in self-reflection are necessary for living in a world of rapid change. (Contains 30 references.) (Author)

Seeks to provide a developmental perspective on students' invitations of self and of others using data obtained from cohort groups of students, and to determine whether invitations differ as a function of gender. Inviting one's self decreased as students progressed from grade 6 to 8, with nonsignificant gender based results. (Contains 25…

A review of the literature reports that mental health research publications are infrequently read by counseling practitioners since most believe that research is not relevant to their practice. Proposes that the development of a faculty/alumni research alliance program based on invitational theory will help bridge the gap between the researcher…

Studies the principal-teacher relationship to assess the importance of positive human interactions in elementary school settings as defined by Invitational Theory. Findings illuminate the importance of daily actions and interactions of principals in relation to teachers. Recommends that principals of Invitational Education be taught in leadership…

Examples from case studies and practices are used to clarify the theoretical framework and to illustrate the success of Invitational Theory as one of the theories taught in Waikato Polytechnic's Diploma of Adult Learning and Teaching. Concludes by pointing out many challenges Invitational Theory poses for adult educators in general and this…

Examines male attitudes toward women in authoritative positions using an initial study from 1984 with undergraduate males, and a second study with some of the same males in 1995-1999. Results suggest males were nonaccepting of women, viewing them as biologically less capable. Perceptions of biological differences between genders continue to create…

Presents an overview of the New Zealand national education system founded on the premise that the individual student is the center of all learning and teaching. Includes a brief discussion of educators' beliefs about children's learning, examines principles that guide assessment and how they translate into practice, and discusses issues of…

Examines personal stories of women to assess whether verbal persuasions and invitations influenced their academic paths. Three themes emerged: (a) invitations and verbal persuasions were instrumental sources for the development of confidence; (b) self-efficacy beliefs fostered resilience to academic and social obstacles; (c) invitations reemerged…

Discusses the works of Charles Reich and Allan Bloom that have helped to shape current social and political debate concerning self theory. Both Reich and Bloom were concerned with the relationship between self and environment. Argues that it is important to insure that its cultural role of self theory is clearly interpreted and applied. (MKA)

Proposes that the increasing disavowal of public schools results from experience with day-by-day disinviting behaviors. The suggested remedy is for educators to evaluate their on-the-job responses to their patrons. Wherever subminimal interpersonal conditions are identified, participants should learn to invite people to education. Presents a case…

Presents a former teacher's personal reflective narrative that highlights how the acceptance and application of the theory of invitational education empowers both personal and professional change. Discusses author's transition from second grade teacher to doctoral student to college professor. (MKA)

A practicing school superintendent examines effective leadership and examines ways to be a more inviting school superintendent in a more inviting school setting. A practical look at some of the issues which draw upon the author's and others' experiences. (Author)

Examines whether students would learn about friendship through guidance lessons led by their teachers with a sample of 5th grade students. Results indicate that students and teachers were receptive to the lessons. Teachers reported behavior change in some students. Students' perceptions showed an increase in using positive behavior toward other…

Outlines the objectives and the rationale of a pilot intervention program in Sydney, Australia, that responds to teacher burnout. Addresses the causes of burnout and implements strategies to assist in the reduction and ultimate prevention of burnout using invitational theory as a foundation to create a better school climate. (RJM)

Dispels six myths about "feel-good" self-esteem. Presents a more dynamic component of self-esteem called "inner self-esteem," which is based on children's actual competencies. Claims that inner self-esteem is enhanced by helping children develop skills to succeed in school and by fostering morally responsible behavior. (RJM)