This book provides an in-depth exploration of psychological phenomena affecting language learning within a social learning space. Drawing on the literature from identity in second language learning, communities of practice and learner beliefs, in conjunction with other individual difference factors, it uncovers perceptions and assumptions that…

A look at themselves and their classmates can give students a new view of all people. (Editor)

"Let's Celebrate Uniqueness" is a one-semester whole class program designed for fourth to seventh grade gifted and non-gifted students. Specific activities are suggested for the four program steps: (1) understanding the concept of uniqueness, (2) recognition of uniqueness of self, (3) recognition of uniqueness of others, (4) and valuing uniqueness…

Suggests classroom activities to prepare unexceptional students to accept and understand individual differences and individual treatment in a mainstreamed classroom through open, active discussions about their attitudes and feelings. (DMM)

Because a person's name and self-image are so closely related, it is important that teachers, especially in multicultural situations, familiarize themselves with names common to various ethnic cultures. This article presents advice to teachers on this topic and suggests activities about uncommon names for use with students. (SJL)

Analysis of insights of parents of gifted adolescent boys (N=8) who committed suicide found retrospective clues for potential suicide such as: lack of recognition/acceptance of individuality; effects of competition on self-esteem; lack of coping skills; and suicidal behavior of friends. (CB)

Practical suggestions for working with reluctant, unmotivated students as presented through the acronym "STUDENTS" are given as a guide for increasing classroom participation. STUDENTS stands for: success; tolerance; understanding; directions; expectations; negotiations; tasks; and stimulation. (Author/CB)

Reports on a study of the effects of self-blame or societal blame among 82 Canadian female college students. Finds that women encouraged to blame themselves were more likely to endorse accepting the situation, while those encouraged to blame society endorsed nonnormative individual confrontation. (CFR)

Reports on a study of differences in assumptions about a just world among 140 college students. Finds that nonminority students saw their personal worlds as less random, more just, and more benevolent than they saw the general world. Finds that minority students saw both the personal and the general world as less benevolent and less lucky. (CFR)

This monograph reviews several approaches for describing learning styles and the instructional implications of an emphasis on learning styles for teachers. Several reasons for the importance of understanding individual learning styles are provided; such understanding leads to: (1) reduction of teacher and student frustration; (2) higher student…

Child caregivers should not answer children's questions in ways that enable children to create stereotypical categories. Because children are aware of differences among the peers and the adults they encounter, children's questions must be answered accurately and in a developmentally appropriate way. When questions about individual difference…

Based on a musical celebration of children's diversity, this early childhood curriculum guide provides guidance in using the compact disk "Nobody Else Like Me" to help children think critically about and appreciate differences and similarities among people. The guide is organized into 12 sections, each focusing on one of the songs from the disk,…

Arranged in three parts, this booklet provides teachers at the early childhood and primary grade levels with guidelines for using children's literature in social studies instruction. Chapter 1 discusses rationale and procedure. Separate subsections emphasize the significant role reading books can play in developing a child's self-concept,…

The authors discuss the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains of learning typewriting, student attitudes toward learning, their self-concept, and teacher attitudes toward student learning ability, with learning conditions and motivation techniques for effective typewriting instruction. (MF)