This book contains papers presented by educators during the China-U.S. Conference on Education in July, 1997. Only papers prepared by American authors were received and included in this collection. Chapters included are (1) "Art, Education, and Community: Arts Genesis, Inc." (C. S. Kestler); (2) "Applications of Portfolio Assessment…

Discusses materials in the ERIC system concerning nonverbal communication. Examines nonverbal cues in other cultures and the differences traditional nonverbal cues take on in the classroom. (HTH)

Foreign language and bilingual educators are in the unique position of being able to bring the world to their classrooms via the telecommunications technologies. Telecommunication is electronic communication over long distances by means of an online computer service, a telephone, a television, a satellite, or other long distance technologies. This…

Presents a sampling of items from the ERIC database on the interactions between Japan and the United States. Includes items on diplomatic and intercultural relations, historical trends, technology, and business competition. Offers information on using the database and obtaining materials. (DK)

Those who warn that the United States is handicapped by a state of international illiteracy are concerned both that Americans are unable to communicate in other languages and that most are unprepared to operate with sensitivity in cross-cultural situations. Culture refers to the view of the world shared by members of a group, the patterns of…

There is an increasing awareness of the usefulness of foreign language training in a number of seemingly diverse areas. Foreign language students develop not only technical skills related to language use but also tangible advantages in the job market because of their increased communication skills. Mastery of languages also enhances the enjoyment…

The critical career development strategy of networking is being transformed by the Internet into virtual or e-networking. Virtual networking provides these advantages: it eliminates the fear of making initial contact and the stress of first impressions; it overcomes restrictions of location, time, or money; it makes responses faster and easier;…

The population of the United States is growing more culturally diverse each year, and this diversity is clearly evident among families with young children; however, individuals who work in early childhood programs are not as diverse as those they serve. Moreover, many early childhood professionals have little preparation for working with families…

The purpose of this literature review is to illustrate the implications of cultural diversity for career education and development. Discussed first are census data demonstrating the rapid increases in population of such groups as Asians/Pacific Islanders, African Americans, Native Americans, and Hispanics. Differences in world view are explored…

The population of the United States is growing more culturally diverse each year, and this diversity is clearly evident among families with young children; however, individuals who work in early childhood programs are not as diverse as those they serve. Moreover, many early childhood professionals have little preparation for working with families…

To explore the complexities of communication with Asian and Pacific Islander (API) children and their families, this digest describes the overt and covert dimensions of the various API cultures, and discusses API's socioeconomic background and the life experiences that affect their communication behavior. The general ethnic groups in the API…

The time spent in the regular English-language classroom is critical for the limited-English-proficient (LEP) student in eventual mainstreaming. The classroom teacher can work productively with LEP students in the classroom to maximize their exposure to authentic language during the school day. Classroom communication should be simple and clear,…

Early childhood programs should be designed to serve the whole child's development within the context of the family and community. This is especially important for children who speak a language other than English at home. Programs must employ developmentally and culturally appropriate practices that respect individual differences and choices and…

Short-term travel study programs for high school students offer international interpersonal encounters, exposure to foreign languages, and opportunities for students to develop a sense of global citizenship and international responsibility. There appears to be a growing interest among educators in involving students in foreign travel and study. A…

While not an instructional panacea, peer involvement in second language learning can provide a rich and productive supplement to the second language classroom experience. It casts learners and teachers into new roles that may lead to a variety of benefits, enriching the total educational and social environment. The systematic use of peer teachers…