PEDAGOGICAL KNOWLEDGE AND ELEMENTARY READING METHODOLOGY TEXTBOOKS: IN SEARCH OF A SHARED PARADIGM

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether there is evidence to support the existence of a shared paradigm of pedagogical knowledge in elementary reading methodology textbooks. To accomplish this purpose, a computer‐based citation concordance was prepared that represented 5,760 references from 12 elementary reading methodology textbooks with copyright dates ranging from 1985 to 1989. The results suggest the existence of a shared paradigm of pedagogical knowledge in elementary reading methodology textbooks. The shared paradigm is not sharply defined and unambiguous in content, instead, it is composed of a complex amalgam of knowledge on philosophies, principles and practices representing a variety of perspectives.     

WOMEN IN A NURSING HOME Living with Hope and Meaning

A series of reminiscing-type groups for women in a nursing home is described. The purpose of this project is to use a qualitative methodology for exploring feelings and providing emotional catharsis in a population stereotyped largely by hopeless affect and lack of meaning in their lives. The women in the groups varied widely in physical and cognitive abilities; many were confused and memory-impaired. A rationale is provided for the therapist/leader's directive approach in the context of an egalitarian, feminist orientation. Results point toward an increase in interaction with others in the nursing home environment, more self-awareness and self-esteem, and a heightened empathy for other group participants. Annotated excerpts from three group sessions are included.     

Time Perspective and Organisational Involvement

Une étude comparative des horizons temporels de deux groupes appariés de militants appartenant à des organisations contrastées sur le plan idéologique (Parti Communiste et Union Féderale des Consommateurs), montre qu'il existe une difference suivant l'appartenance. L'hypothèse étant que le choix par le sujet d'un groupe d'appartenance est fonction de l'articulation entre son horizon temporel et les temporalités sociales véhiculées par le groupe.
This paper analyses the differential time perspectives held by people belonging to organisations with different ideological outlooks (Communist Party members and members of a consumers' union). The two groups are found to differ significantly in their time perspectives. The paper advances the hypothesis that organisational choice is a function of the match between a person's time perspective and the one held by members of the organisation.     

Causal Attributions of Male and Female Performance by Young Children

Males and females in kindergarten and third grade predicted whether a boy or a girl would succeed on a masculine or a feminine task. Some predictions were confirmed; others were not. The children were asked to explain the winner's success by choosing among four determinants of achievement: ability, effort, task ease, and luck. For third graders, luck was more important in determining the success of an unpredicted winner than a predicted winner. For both ages, female success on a masculine task was attributed more to effort than to ability. These findings support attribution theory and indicate that differential perceptions of male and female performance exist in young children.