A discussion of the teaching of nonsexist language to learners of English as a Second Language (ESL) reviews the history of the awareness of gender bias in language, outlines the arguments for and against nonsexist language teaching, and concludes in favor of nonsexist language use in the second language classroom. It is proposed that those…

Models of ethnographic research in education treat context in an arbitrary way, and the theory of language used is inadequate. However, a discourse analysis framework can be useful in improving qualitative research in education by relating accounts of specific sites and events to their social contexts. (27 references) (MSE)

The French law proposed in February 1994 concerning the proper use of the French language in France is discussed. The law's content, intent, and origins are described, including the history of legislation concerning regulation of French since 1539. Public opinion concerning regulation of the language is examined. (MSE)

It is proposed that, when individuals discover their own linguistic potential, they unlock the door to interpersonal and intercultural communication. An illustration: a situation in which young people from eastern and western European countries gather after a film festival to discuss what they have seen and immediately find rapport. (MSE)

The European Community is facing the dilemma of respecting and maintaining Europe's traditional national languages and cultures while facilitating communication. This objective can be met by expecting all citizens to speak in their native languages but understand several others, placing emphasis on comprehension in second-language instruction.…

This paper argues that separation of mathematics from most other disciplines in the college curriculum reinforces math avoidance among college students, and that this is inappropriate in general education. Ways in which mathematics and mathematical thinking can be integrated into the humanities are discussed, including the role of mathematics in…

Problems associated with instruction in languages for special purposes, particularly French, are discussed. The central issue is the difficulty of tailoring instruction to the student's actual needs, which may vary widely according to the discipline, situation, and functions desired. Some promising methodological directions are seen. (MSE)

Environmental issues that can be explored in social science courses include problems with potential to cause serious or irreversible change to an ecosystem or biosphere. Areas for discussion include: environmental attitudes, values, and behaviors; the environmental movement; risk perceptions; and the political economy of the environment and…

Discussion of the English language needs of the Arab world looks at two general kinds of needs: societal and educational-cultural. Some major needs analysis studies conducted in the Arab world, particularly that of the Gulf region, are reviewed. The need for comprehensive research in this area, for the purpose of curriculum design, is emphasized.…

Teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) is a political act, and those who are engaged in teaching English to non- or limited-English speakers are directly or indirectly implementing a language policy that promotes a form of language change in students. This means that TESOL teachers are faced with certain moral dilemmas whose…

An approach to writing instruction in a second language begins with a look at the different functions of oral and written language and proceeds to an analysis of stylistic differences. A number of examples are offered from French textbooks, letters, and excerpts from speech used on television. (MSE)

Findings about black language and speaking behavior may help increase understanding and accommodation of black students in education. While something is known about Black English as a medium of communication, little is known about the language itself. The teacher must learn to recognize basic linguistic and performance features of black English,…

Factors in organizational climate and structure that enhance innovation include need to respond to emerging market trends and discomfort with the status quo. Inhibitors include negative language used regarding new ideas and lack of strategic organizational direction. As in industry, higher education can use these to involve employees in change:…

Changes in immigration patterns bring problems and opportunities to higher education. New federal law significantly changes the ethnic and skills mix of the immigrant pool. Issues emerging include potential brain drain; pressure for curriculum change; language as a barrier to access; and the rights of illegal immigrants to higher education. (MSE)

It is argued that in the culturally rich communities developing in the United States, educators can do much more to develop literacy programs that reflect real student needs, differences, and talents. Widespread dependency on pre-defined curricula and assessment is seen as perpetuating outdated classroom strategies and techniques that do not work.…