Research and Monographs
Children’s Thinking and Learning in the Elementary School, by Peter Langford (Technomic Publishing Company, 851 New Holland Ave., Box 3535, Lancaster, Pa. 17604; 171 pp., $29 cloth). Argues that the theories espoused by the Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget overemphasize the ability of children to discover concepts for themselves and underestimate the role of teachers.
Classroom Encounters: Problems, Case Studies, Solutions, by R. Baird Shuman (National Education Association Professional Library, P.O. Box 509, West Haven, Conn. 06516; 256 pp., $19.95 paper). Studies problems commonly faced by beginning teachers.
Confronting Racism in the Schools, by Thomas E. Hart and Linda Lumsden (Oregon School Study Council, 1787 Agate St., University of Oregon, Eugene, Ore., 97403; 33 pp., $5 paper, plus $2 handling). Offers an overview of ethnic diversity in schools and describes programs intended to alleviate racial tensions by promoting multicultural understanding.
Curriculum and Instruction in Chapter 1 Programs: A Look Back and a Look Ahead, by A. Harry Passow (eric Clearinghouse on Urban Education, Box 40, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, N.Y. 10027; 41 pp., $3 paper). Reviews research on teaching disadvantaged students and discusses efforts to reflect cultural diversity in the curriculum as a means of improving instruction.
Educating America: Lessons Learned in the Nation’s Corporations, by Jack E. Bowsher (John Wiley & Sons Inc., 605 Third Ave., New York, N.Y. 10158; 245 pp., $22.95 cloth). The author draws on his experience as director of education for ibm to propose a reform program for American schools.
Encouraging School Staff To Collaborate for Instructional Effectiveness, by Stuart C. Smith and James J. Scott (Oregon School Study Council, 1787 Agate St., University of Oregon, Eugene, Ore. 97403; 33 pp., $6 paper, plus $2 handling). Advocates greater interaction among teachers and administrators as a strategy for improvement.
Individualism and Educational Theory, by John Watt (Kluwer Academic Publishers, 101 Philip Dr., Norwell, Mass. 02061; 252 pp., $72.50 cloth). Surveys the influence of the philosophical tradition of individualism on education theory.
Jocks and Burnouts: Social Categories and Identity in the High School, by Penelope Eckert (Teachers College Press, 1234 Amsterdam Ave., New York, N.Y. 10027; 195 pp., $31.95 cloth, $16.95 paper). Case study of a Michigan high school showing, in the author’s view, that the formation of opposed class cultures in the student population serves as a social tracking system.
Mapping the Moral Domain: A Contribution of Women’s Thinking to Psychological Theory and Education, edited by Carol Gilligan, Janie Victoria Ward, and Jill McLean Taylor (Harvard University Press, 79 Garden St., Cambridge, Mass. 02138; 324 pp., $30 cloth). A collection of essays exploring forms of moral development common among women.
Meeting the Needs of Culturallyand Linguistically Different Students: A Handbook for Educators, edited by Sandra H. Fradd and M. Jeanne Weismantel (College-Hill Press, Order Department, 200 West St., Waltham, Mass. 02254-9204; 190 pp., $27.50 paper). Recommends strategies for teaching students from diverse backgrounds.
School Psychology: Cutting Edges in Research and Practice, edited by Marvin J. Fine (National Education Association Professional Library, P.O. Box 509, West Haven, Conn. 06516; 80 pp., $10.95 paper). Essays on the future directions of school psychology.
To Open Minds: Chinese Clues to the Dilemma of Contemporary Education, by Howard Gardner (Basic Books, 10 East 53rd St., New York, N.Y. 10022; 326 pp., $21.95 cloth). The noted psychologist and educator examines Chinese education’s highly structured approach to fostering creativity.
Young, Black, and Male in America: An Endangered Species, edited by Jewelle Taylor Gibbs (Auburn House Publishing Company, 14 Dedham St., Dover, Mass. 02030-0658; 377 pp., $28.95 cloth, $17.95 paper). An analysis of problems facing young, black males that addresses such topics as education, employment, drug use, and delinquency.
Youth Mentoring: Programs and Practices, by Erwin Flaxman, Carol Ascher, and Charles Harrington (eric Clearinghouse on Urban Education, Box 40, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, N.Y. 10027; 63 pp., $8 paper). Reviews research on mentoring for disadvantaged children and offers suggestions for developing such programs.
Handbooks and Reference Works
Advisory List of International Educational Travel and Exchange Programs, 1990, edited by Keith L. Herwig and Dennis M. Papp (Council on Standards for International Educational Travel, 1906 Association Dr., Reston, Va. 22091; 101 pp., $6.50 paper, discounts available for quantity orders). Information on programs operated by 53 organizations in compliance with csiet standards.
The Elementary School Handbook: Making the Most of Your Child’s Education, by Joanne Oppenheim (Pantheon Books, 201 East 50th St., New York, N.Y. 10022; 297 pp., $11.95 paper). Offers parents advice on choosing schools and planning home activities to enrich their children’s education.
A First Dictionary of Cultural Literacy: What Our Children Need To Know, by E.D. Hirsch Jr. (Houghton Mifflin Company, 2 Park St., Boston, Mass. 02108; 271 pp., $14.95 cloth). This volume’s 2,000 entries represent “the knowledge that ... children should acquire by the end of 6th grade,” according to the author, who also wrote the best seller Cultural Literacy.
Getting Skilled, Getting Ahead: Your Guide for Choosing a Career and a Private Career School, by James R. Myers and Elizabeth Warner Scott (Peterson’s Guides, P.O. Box 2123, Princeton, N.J. 08543-2123; 94 pp., $5.95 paper). Designed to help prospective vocational-school students select schools, understand admission standards, and meet tuition costs.
