Presents innovative and imaginative examination of invitational model and encourages future research of invitational practice. Challenges readers to move beyond seemingly clear-cut, orderly models and diagrams, and to explore more seriously the potential for rigorous research and clearly defined applications of invitational practices. (NB)

Focuses on natural and incidental relationship between the concepts of multicultural education and invitational theory. Begins with historic examination of each concept, then focuses on assumptions of multicultural education and invitational theory. Notes that comparison of these beliefs demonstrates the two sets are interdependent in generating…

Author notes that, in context of own professional practice, she has discovered that application of theory of invitational education opens space where freedom to become can be brought into existence. Defines invitational education as perceptually based self-concept approach to education. Discloses how inviting process has enhanced her professional…

Examined whether teachers' orientations concerning pupil control are related to quality of school life as perceived by students. Findings from approximately 250 teachers and 5,000 students revealed statistically significant relationships between teacher pupil control ideology and quality of school life as perceived by students. (NB)

Notes that one criticism of invitational theory is that it does not address itself to difficult situations. Refutes this criticism by first reviewing the basic assumptions of invitational theory and then explaining how the theory can be used to handle conflicts, both minor and major, that occur in one's personal and profession life. (NB)

Describes emergence of Human Age, period of evolution when people, institutions, and organizations begin to focus on tremendous potential of human beings to create beneficial relationships in schools and other settings. Sees primary aim during Human Age to be cultivation of relationships and nurturance of environments in which emerge higher order…

Explored relationship between the characteristics of adulthood and the assumptions of invitational theory. Findings from surveys completed by 722 politicians, businesspersons, and teacher educators revealed that respondents' views regarding adulthood revolved around 2 primary factors: sense of responsibility and sense of religion. Findings support…

Conducted visitations, observations, and interviews in 11 schools that were awarded Inviting School Award in United States to determine ways that these schools incorporate invitational philosophy and implement invitational theory in practice. Findings revealed that these schools were successful in creating environments where people, especially…

Proposes that invitational theory and Total Quality Management are not mutually exclusive approaches for education. Contends that, on close examination of the two, clearly these two philosophies share many common concepts and beliefs. Focuses on basic assumptions of both theories. Concludes that invitational approach offers feasible alternative to…

Addresses issue of gender stereotyping and encourages teachers at all levels of education to design strategies that would correct these stereotyping behaviors. Sees invitational education, as an inclusive model, as being an appropriate approach to use in training teachers, parents, and students to avoid discrimination or stereotypical behavior.…

Explores the challenge of keeping parents involved in their children's education beyond the elementary school years. Suggests the invitational model as proactive approach for keeping parents involved in the lives of their children, particularly during the transition years of middle school education. As background, discusses nature of…

Introduces guidance system for the application of invitational theory. Calls system "Helix" because it spirals through 12 steps of development divided into three levels. Offers schema for examining one's own development as an invitational student, practitioner, and theorist. Provides impetus for further discussion about developmental levels of…

Argues to use invitational approach in medical education. Compares elements of Problem-based Learning with invitational philosophy, thereby offering another arena for this emerging theory of practice. Concludes that Problem-based Learning is an ally of invitational approaches and is an offspring of the thinking that also created International…

Presents historical perspective suggesting that invitational theory shares many beliefs with ancient Eastern philosophies. Submits that teachers and other educators who embrace the invitational perspective may benefit from an understanding of Eastern principles. Briefly describes Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Zen Buddhism, and their relevance to…

Presents personal disclosure revealing how author and her family adapted an invitational approach, the 5-P Relay, to restructure their family time. Describes goals and procedures of the plan, obstacles encountered, an evaluation of the process, and a conclusion that the family began experiencing greater enjoyment as a family unit as soon as they…