The Open Classroom Reader

The theoretical and practical aspects of activities designed for use in the open classroom are explored in this collection of articles selected from American, English, and Canadian sources.

K.T. Margaret believes that life is an open classroom and education a process that takes place continuously through a person s life. Through an account of her personal journey she shows that education goes beyond the mechanics of teaching and learning, to enrich the teacher and the taught.

Jane David and Larry Cuban examine 20 different school reforms, the pros and cons of each, and what it takes to make the reforms-including smaller classes, mayoral control of schools, and standards-based change-successful.

Early childhood education is fundamental to a child's later educational achievements and future success. The principles and practices of modern early childhood education have their origins in the past. While the educators who built the field have been the subject of many detailed studies, previous works do not provide adequate coverage of primary and secondary sources, multicultural educators, or more recent leaders in the discipline. This reference book provides biographies and annotated bibliographies of more than 30 pioneers in early childhood education from Johann Amos Comenius (1592-1670) and John Locke (1632-1704), to Maria Montessori (1870-1952), Leland B. Jacobs (1907-1992), and Lillian Weber (1917-1994). Special attention is given to multicultural educators, including Mary Church Terrell (1863-1954) and her work with The National Association of Colored Women. Biographies are arranged alphabetically, and each is followed by annotated bibliographies of primary and secondary sources. An introductory essay briefly discusses the history of early childhood education from the 17th century to the present. The following biographies are arranged alphabetically, and each includes a brief summary of the subjects contributions to the field of early childhood education. Each biographical sketch is followed by annotated bibliography of primary and secondary sources, including obituaries, articles, dissertations, and books. Works were selected because they represent the most interesting and informative sources by and about the educators. The volume closes with a chronological listing of the pioneers and a selected bibliography of general works on early childhood education.

Behavioral Approaches to Community Psychology reviews and evaluates the extension of social learning procedures to various demanding community problems. This book presents the applications of the behavioral paradigm for various social problems, including alcoholism, adult offenders, aging, unemployment, drug addiction, juvenile delinquency, environmental protection, psychiatric residence, and problems of the schools. Organized into 12 chapters, this book begins with an overview of the development and patterning of human behavior. This text then examines various research conducted in schools concerning behavioral approaches to educational problems. Other chapters consider the increasing concern and debate for the problems of crime and delinquency. This book discusses as well the concern of the society about opiate drug addiction and abuse. The final chapter deals with the strengthened relation between behaviorists and community psychologists. This book is a valuable resource for social psychologists and graduate students. Applied researchers and practitioners in community health settings will also find this book useful.