Michigan State University Extension
Diversity and Pluralism - 11180254
12/95/
ERIC TITLE NUMBER: ED307218 AUTHOR: Hodge, R. Lewis
TITLE: A Myriad of Values: A Brief History.
YEAR PUBLISHED: 1989
NOTE: 15 p.; Paper presented at the Annual Conference of
the
American Educational Research Association (70th, San
Francisco, CA, March 27-31, 1989).
AVAILABILITY: R. Lewis Hodge, Claxton Hall, Suite 10,
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996.
ABSTRACT: U.S. public education has always been value
laden, and a straightforward approach concerning what
values will be taught is an appropriate policy. In spite of
U.S. pluralism, a relatively common set of traditional
values is possible and desirable. Three assumptions have
been accepted in this essay: (1) no one lives a
value-neutral life; (2) teachers do teach values; and (3)
moral and value education has content and process
dimensions. The 1950's are often cited as a desirable
pattern of "traditional" public schooling. Public schools
were probably the most common vehicle for transmitting U.S.
values in view of the diversity of ethnic groups and
religions. In the aftermath of Sputnik, U.S. education
became inquiry or discovery based encouraging students to
question existing knowledge, formulate new theories, and
analyze data. The 1960's are often viewed as lamentably as
the 1950's are memorably. The Vietnam War overshadowed U.S.
thought, forcing people to question themselves and their
government. The process of values clarification became
popular, although it was, and is, controversial. Questions
of what and how to teach, and issues such as value-neutral
instruction continue to plague these programs. The 1970's
saw the "back to basics" movement gain prominence.
Piagetian and other behavioral and cognitive psychology
were used as a basis for this
movement.
Finally, the 1980's brought general conservatism to the
development and implementation of curriculum. There is an
emphasis on accumulating facts and practicing basic skills.
Since 1900, the United States has moved toward a plurality
of values which may be detrimental to the nation's future.
A 27-item bibliography is included. (GEA)
KEY DESCRIPTORS: Back-to-Basics; Basic-Skills; Discovery
Learning; Elementary-Secondary-Education; Inquiry-; Values
Clarification
KEY DESCRIPTORS: *Controversial-Issues-Course-Content;
*Educational-History; *Educational-Improvement; *Public
Schools; *Values-; *Values-Education
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