Observational approaches used by ecological psychologists can focus on the behavior of persons or on their settings. The options for subject-centered observation are diary methods, specimen records, time sampling, and event sampling or critical incident recording. Serious limitations correlated to the time interval method, as it is often applied,…

Examines European and non-European cultural positions in terms of subjectivity, a postmodern concept, which eventually promotes ethics by using the nature of self in relation to the "other." Challenges the hierarchical distinction of European subjectivities and non-European subjectivities, exploring how to overcome that hierarchical…

Provides some background on the use of magical language in technical contexts, gives examples of magical discourse in technology advertisements and newsmagazine articles, and proposes a technical communication pedagogy of media analysis. Notes that the proposed pedagogy involves students conducting diagnostic critiques of media texts and affords…

Argues for increasing the use of nontraditional methodologies in the reading of Shakespeare's plays for secondary school students. Discusses the "myth of Shakespeare" and his plays as a cultural inheritance, an attitude that is implicitly encouraged by the British National Curriculum. Posits that children in the classroom should be in…

Proposes extending the training of reading teachers to include sociological aspects. Describes three traits that training programs for reading educators could foster: ecological thinking; cultural responsiveness; and communicative competence. Suggests changes which would align the training of reading teachers with these sociological…

This paper deals with how to train employees in transnational companies to be more "global" in their understanding and awareness of different cultures. The paper defines as "target culture" where the employee or his family will be working and considers as a confounding variable in the international marketplace the role to be…

In a cultural analysis of school-to-work transition of senior high school women, inadequacies of the allocation and socialization models of status attainment are revealed. The research found that "career" choice is not rational and that "ambitions" and "aspirations" emerge from cultural context. While status may be an…

This collection of essays is based on the materials of the international conferences, seminars, and readings arranged between 1994-96 by the Lithuanian College of Democracy. The collection presents both the European and North American experience. Evaluation of democratic education, tolerance, alternative education, and citizenship education in…

Addresses whether English teaching has a literacy project of its own. Discusses a holistic, integrated view of literacy as comprising three interlocking dimensions: operational, cultural, and critical. Suggests English teaching should engage with philosophy, the humanities, and the arts. Proposes that educators need to develop a better…

Explores the software behind the interface of the programs used in composition classrooms. Places the production of software in a cultural context. Compares hypertext, structured programming, and natural-language writing. Suggests that writing instructors think about ways to customize programs used in their composition classes and to understand…

Ethnobotany is the study of the relationships between plants and people. Ethnobotanists study a large range of interests related to indigenous populations, including the use of plants for foodstuffs, medicines, dyes, transportation, clothing, shelter, and ritual. The Navajo, like other indigenous groups, have developed a wealth of knowledge about…

Taking a global perspective, this yearbook presents an overview and analysis of key issues and trends in the field of international literacy. The book integrates a psychological and cultural approach to advance a new method of analyzing literacy concepts designed to set up linkages between childhood literacy and adult literacy, between literacy…

First published in 1934 and updated in 1965 and 1986, Nila Banton Smith's "American Reading Instruction" has provided insight and historical perspective to reading instruction in the United States beginning with the colonial era. This "Special Edition" addresses such areas as theories and practical applications; established and…

Helping children outgrow war is an overarching goal of educational reconstruction in post-conflict settings, but responses must be highly adaptive and informed by insights gained from interventions elsewhere. This guidebook offers seven examples of successful interventions in post-conflict settings internationally, situating them within a…

Explains that Museum Theatre's goal is to teach through drama by using experiential interpretive strategies that bypass the lecture format. Outlines a production of Museum Theatre which helped a museum redefine itself. Concludes that Museum Theatre helps shift the focus of programming from simple object display to an emphasis on the human…