Abstract
This paper examines the different elements of the teaching profession and suggests that some aspects of the profession make it a science and some aspects make it an art. The paper contends that, while the pedagogical element of teaching is a science, the aspect of teaching most concerned with human interaction is an art. The paper makes use of several sources to support the notion that teaching is both a science and an art.

From the Paper
"Teaching clearly makes use of both science and art today. In the past, teaching was much more science than art, and teachers were left largely to their own devices to determine how to reach their students and what to teach. As teaching became a profession, with a course of instruction to prepare teachers, the idea that teaching was a science became more prominent, with the colleges emphasizing this idea as they inculcated teachers into specialized knowledge and methods based on scientific research, including school testing, empirical research into learning styles and processes, and so on."

Tags:learning, guidance, classroom, testing, methods, instruction, individuals, groups

Abstract
This paper examines the benefits and disadvantages of inclusion programs from the point of view of the student as well as the teacher.
Inclusion means keeping special education students in regular classrooms and bringing the special support services to them. It discusses the affect it has on the children's education and on their parents. It details the types of schools where inclusion is more successful and where it is less successful. It discusses psychological and educational research done on this issue and presents its conclusions. It discusses several relevant education models such as: The itinerant model, used for certain categories of special education and the consultation model, when the teacher remains in one or two buildings with larger numbers of students to serve.

From the Paper
"In schools where collaboration was successfully implemented, the special needs children developed improved social skills, greater motivation to learn, and increased self-esteem. Positive peer relationships developed. In these situations, "Collaboration brought complementary professional skills to planning, preparation, and delivery of classroom instruction" [Ripley, 1997]. "The concepts of individualized instruction, multiple learning styles, team teaching, weekly evaluation, and detailed planning are all of direct benefit to students "[Ripley, 1997] Middle Schools easily lend themselves to the principles of collaboration. Collaboration is an important process of general education of Middle School Students where interdisciplinary teams often share in planning [Hines, 2001]. Middle school structures can be used as a model for special education inclusion."

Tags:special, general, eductaion, teachers, inclusion, program, students, collaboration, middle, school

From the Paper
"Cognitive Development: Contrasting the Theories of Piaget and Vygotsky
Introduction
This research contrasts the cognitive development theories of Jean Piaget and L. S Vygotsky. The implications of these theories for the teaching of young children are also addressed.


Comparing the Theories
The origins of social learning theory lie in attempts to combine psychoanalytic and stimulus.response theory into a comprehensive explanation of human behavior (Grusec, 1992, pp. 776.786). Various theories of human development often tend to view people as either active or passive in interactions with their environments (Cohen, 1987, p. 22). A passive concept of human..."

Abstract
This paper begins with an overview of some of the major ideas of human development. The overview includes a discussion of Eric Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, Albert Bandura's social cognitive theory, and Jean Piaget's four major stages of cognitive development. The paper suggests that teachers who understand these theories have a better chance of applying them in the classroom and boosting their students' self-esteem. Finally, a soft and relaxing classroom environment, emotionally responsive teachers, effective discipline strategies and multi-cultural classrooms are discussed as ways of putting the development theories into practice.

From the Paper
"They also want to do many things that adults do and in the process, and if they overstep their bounds a little, they might feel a little guilty. One example of this is when a 3 year old wanted to make breakfast for her parents one Sunday morning. She got out all of the condiments, milk, and eggs from the refrigerator, and set them on the floor. She was about to start "cooking" when her mom got up. The child was in trouble, because she tried to do "adult" things, but was developmentally unable to complete her "mission". Her parents were worried about her safety, but she didn't see it that way and felt bad about what happened."

Tags:bandura, developmental, education, erikson, piaget, psychology, teachers, teaching

Abstract
This paper discusses the "Multiple Intelligence" theory, proposed by Howard Gardner and how his theory of the mind could revolutionize education. An in depth discussion is given on each of the ?intelligences? as well as the criteria for determining new ?intelligences.?

From the Paper
"This new theory, the Multiple Intelligence Theory or MI theory was proposed by psychologist Howard Gardner in 1983. The Multiple Intelligence Theory shatters the conventional theory on the mind and intelligence. Conventional wisdom dictates that there is one intelligence in the human mind. The thought is either you are "smart" or you are ?dumb.? This can lead some people to think that they are ?dumb because they do not have logical skills, or they cannot do math, etc. Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theory differs from conventional thought in that the Multiple Intelligence theory states that the human intelligence is made of many different intelligences of different strengths. Different intelligences can be stronger in one person than another, and all people have all of the intelligences. People think and understand in their stronger intelligences while they get confused when trying to understand things in their weaker intelligences. "

Tags:crisis, education, gardner, howard, IQ

From the Paper
"Everyday, young American students stand up in schools across the nation and pledge their allegiance to the flag. Over and over they recite the values and traditions of the only country they know. However, some students in these classrooms have come to America from other countries or have different backgrounds. These students are often stereotyped and looked down upon by other students as well as teachers for their different appearances, customs, ideals, traditions, languages, and even mannerisms. It is imperative that efforts of instilling equality are made towards the social treatment of - and educational opportunities for - students of minority backgrounds."

Tags:immigration, issues, melting, mexican, pot, spanish, speaking, theory

Abstract
This paper discusses the issue whether First Nations should have total control over their education in Saskatchewan and Canada. The author examines the advantages and disadvantages of having First Nations teach, guide, and overlook all of the aspects in each First Nations student's school career.

From the Paper
"First Nation's education is based on traditional values, which put together the principles of wholeness, order, balance, and respect for the spiritual and natural world. They are taught to love and live in Mother Nature and what she brings to everyone's lifestyle. First Nation's students have the right to develop programs and services of the highest quality. They should have the same opportunities as each and every other student in Saskatchewan and Canada towards their future in this world. First Nation's communities, parents, Elders, and teachers expect high quality education and academic skills from their students."

Tags:aboriginal, native, studies, elders, urban, canada, schools, taxes

Abstract
A discussion on the role schools and occupational/professional groups should play in modern society according to Durkheim, as well as a discussion of the function of moral discipline and the problem of anomie in relation to the state and the individual.

From the Paper
"In his work, The General Influence of the School Environment, Emile Durkheim claims that the role of schools in modern society fills a gap which had disappeared from previous forms of society. He states that the schools serve as a bridge between the individual and the state; what he terms "Secondary Groups." "

Tags:anomie, discipline, durkheim, groups, moral, occupational, professional, school

Abstract
This paper discusses the roles and responsibilities of teachers and students in a classroom setting. It also looks at how these roles change as a student progresses through the school system, up until university level. The paper specifically focuses on the necessity of holding both students and teachers accountable for fulfilling their educational responsibilities in the classroom.

From the Paper
"The student's responsibilities within the classroom include paying attention to the course material, asking questions to clarify anything that is not fully understood, completing homework assignments and adequately studying for tests of achievement (Powell, Conway & Ross, 1990). While placing these kinds of responsibilities on a student may seem to be somewhat idealistic, studies have proven that students who consistently take responsibility for their own learning experiences reap the benefits and either maintain high levels of achievement or significantly increase their achievement levels (Powell, Conway, & Ross, 1990). One way to help students fulfill their responsibilities in the classroom learning environment is to hold students accountable for their responsibilities. Accountability can be achieved through a number of means. To ensure that students are listening in class and paying attention, they can be required to provide synopses of what has been taught in a particular lecture. This will have the added benefit of having the student paraphrase the information, which will help them to learn it even better, as well as identify any areas in which they may be struggling with their understanding of the material (Garcai, & Pintrich, 1996; Garger & Guild, 1984). In order to hold students accountable for completing their homework and adequately studying, frequent tests of achievement and learning can be given."

Tags:learning, teaching, homework, assignments

Abstract
This paper begins by introducing Vygotsky in a personal and historical context. The paper then explores Vygotsky as an educational theorist and his three main theories in relation to child development ( Zone of Proximal Development, Language, and Social-Cultural Interaction.) Finally, the essay covers examples of Vygotsky's theories within a classroom setting, as well as implications and lasting results from his work.

From the Paper
"Vygotsky's theories can be categorized into three major areas: zone of proximal development, language, and social interactions. The zone of proximal development also referred to as ZPD, "is the distance between the most difficult task a child can do alone and the most difficult task a child can do with help" (Chapter 5: Lev Vygotsky, 82). Children that are learning a new concept can benefit from the interaction with a teacher or classmate. This process is referred to as scaffolding; when adults and peers help a child reach a new concept or skill by giving supporting information. "

Tags:child, development, language, piaget, proximal, social, zone