Editorial. Globalization: a moral phenomenon

Abstracts

This article explores the idea of lifelong education as expounded by a number of writers published under the auspices of UNESCO. There is a short discussion of the problems involved in subjecting this kind of idea to critical analysis and it is suggested that a policy for education rather than a new concept of education is being expressed. Nevertheless, an implicit concept of education can be deduced from the policy, and there is a review of the role of concepts as a means of distinguishing and classifying areas of experience and areas of thought. It is suggested that writers on ‘lifelong education’ tend to blurr a number of distinctions traditionally drawn in education and it is suggested that the concept of ‘education’ is defined too broadly. As a result, it fails to distinguish between the totality of formative influences which determine our individuality and those influences which are intentionally chosen to form or influence us in desired and desirable ways. ‘Education’, it is suggested, should be restricted to areas of learning that are chosen because they produce effects which we and society wish to bring about. There is reference to the place of ‘knowledge’ in lifelong education and an extended discussion of some of the consequences which follow from failing to separate the concept of ‘training’ from the concept of ‘education’. It is argued that ‘education’ implies a concern for moral and evaluative issues consistent with a Humanistic approach, whereas ‘training’ being task and role oriented can ignore moral issues in the interests of efficient performances. This argument is, in effect, a case study to support the claim that finer conceptual distinctions are of practical importance.     

Street children: a comparative perspective.

OBJECTIVE: This paper examines the findings from recent studies of street children in Ethiopia. METHODS: Following a discussion of the term "street children," comparisons are drawn between Latin American and Ethiopian street children in terms of gender, age, reasons for going to the streets, family relations and structure, delinquency, drug use, groups and the outcomes of street life. In particular, the victimization of street children in Ethiopia is examined. RESULTS: Widespread abuse of street children was reported. More than half of the street boys questioned reported being "regularly" physically attacked. Street life is also highly victimogenic for street girls. Sexual offences, in particular, were widespread. Forty four percent had been raped and a further 26% had been sexually attacked. CONCLUSIONS: Similarities between Latin American street children and their Ethiopian counterparts regarding gender, background and street life experiences are noted. Comparisons concerning the victimization of street children were not possible, as this is an issue that is relatively unexamined in the Latin American context. Also, issues such as the developmental outcomes of street life and the process of leaving street life remain to be examined.     

Neonatal assessment procedures: a historical review.

A historical review of neonatal assessment procedures is presented to demonstrate the trends in advancement of the field and attempts toward collaboration of medicine and psychology in contributions to the area. The literature suggests that the medically oriented neurological examinations have continued to be altered and improved. The growth of behaviorism within psychology and the view that behavior is closely related to underlying neurological mechanisms have contributed to the development of behaviorally oriented assessment procedures. These trends have combined successfully in the development of the Brazelton Neonatal Assessment Scale, which focuses on assessment of behavioral capabilities reflecting the quality of parent-infant relationships. The most recent contributions are directed toward development of specialized assessment techniques to fulfill specific research needs. Suggestions and cautions for use of available procedures are presented.     

The Ph.D. versus the Ed.D.: Time for a decision

In this study, U.S. institutions that offer doctoral programs in education were surveyed and institutional catalogues of the past decade were reviewed to determine trends regarding the Ph.D. versus the Ed.D. Results of the study showed that (a) there is no clear institutional movement toward one degree title or the other; (b) research universities are increasingly reluctant and comprehensive colleges and universities are increasingly likely to offer the Ed.D. as their only doctoral degree title, and (c) requirements for the two doctoral titles are remarkably similar, including competencies in research and statistics. Findings are discussed in relation to three common positions of those who favor the Ed.D. over the Ph.D.: (a) the professional school argument, (b) the unification argument, and (c) the autonomy argument. The article concludes with a call for increased national dialogue to strengthen the education profession by reducing confusion between its two doctoral degree titles.Russell T. Osguthorpe, Associate Dean of Brigham Young University's College of Education, has done research in special education, instructional design and technology, and teacher education. He is presently responsible for graduate programs, research, and technology in the College. Dr. Osguthorpe received his education at Brigham Young University. Mei Jiuan Wong, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Instructional Science, Brigham Young University, has done research on instructional design and technology and teacher education. She is currently completing her dissertation on decision making in instructional design.     

Recollecting R.S. Peters: Four Essays and a Supplement

This short text provides an introduction to the five papers that follow, all of which reflect on R.S. Peters, his founding importance for contemporary philosophy of education, and his continuing relevance. It sets the scene by referring to Peters’ early and important encounter with Israel Scheffler before going on briefly to acknowledge other work published over the past decade that examines Peters’ achievement. In addition, it explains the background to the fifth paper in this suite. This is Ieuan Lloyd's record, posthumously published, of conversations about the philosophy of education with Rush Rhees, in which Peters’ work is considered.