Briefly discusses the role that rites of passage play in traditional cultures and considers the possibilities inherent in incorporating this social concept into middle school art projects. Defines middle school as a transitional stage in adolescent development characterized by institutional and personal separation that lends itself to these…

Examined 30 Japanese and 30 American preschoolers' responses to hypothetical interpersonal dilemmas as a function of culture, gender, and maternal child rearing values. Found that American children showed more anger, more aggressive behavior and language, and underregulation of emotion than Japanese children. Children from both cultures appeared…

Argues that political equality and democracy are attainable only through the distribution of access to political resources and the willingness to use them. Discusses the broad philosophical and sociological components that contribute to a system marked by advantage and inequalities, as well as opportunities for opposition and resistance. (MJP)

Profiles the post-war efforts of Anna Haag, a German author and journalist. After visiting the Women's Service Bureau through a tour organized by the American League of Women Voters, Haag was inspired to establish the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Stutgarter Frauen. This organization engaged in social work and citizenship training for women. (MJP)

This study examined whether and how computer conferencing could be used to help prospective teachers become aware of the consequences of action. Results indicated that conferencing activities provided clear insight into prospective teachers' awareness of the consequences of action. Four levels of consequences were apparent in students'…

Reviews the main issues and candidates involved in the recent Russian national elections. Although the transition to a market economy has been painful, most Russians still back Boris Yeltsin over Communist party candidate, Gennady Zyuganov. Maintains that grass-roots capitalism and democratic reforms still enjoy popular support. (MJP)

Reports on the development of a comprehensive education program "Step by Step: A Program for Children and Families" in Eastern and Central Europe and the former Soviet Union. Designed for young children from birth to age eight and their families, this program attempts to share U.S. teaching methods that promote democratic principles…

Argues that in higher education, values and priorities of the enterprise's "producers" have little in common with those of the "consumers," and identifies areas in which this is apparent, including tuition, college choice, selection of a president, program development, faculty rewards, state subsidies, institutional budgeting, and school…

Argues that, of the authoritarian, permissive, and authoritative styles of interaction with children, the latter nurtures the emergence of positive character traits in young children. Suggests listening, setting high and reasonable standards, explaining why, negotiating reasonable solutions, offering choices, and valuing ideas and opinions as…

In Finland and England, national policy on subject- versus child-centered curriculum are moving in opposite directions. Comparative studies of four small elementary schools indicate that teachers' beliefs, values, and practices were powerful mediators of their interpretations and responses to imposed changes, and the ethos of very small schools…

Maintains that, counter to popular opinion, guns played no significant role in U.S. frontier life until the Civil War era. Evidence from probate and militia records reveal a consistent lack of gun ownership while magazine articles painted unflattering portraits of gun ownership and hunting. Discusses reasons for the change. (MJP)

Recounts the battle over the first attempt in U.S. history to implement sex education in a citywide system of public schools. Frames this conflict as part of an ongoing collision between progressive, social science-oriented reformers and a traditionalist populace. Discusses the reform movement's shift from moral to scientific authority. (MJP)

Traces the history of the idea of a general education' from the reforms of the 19th century through the Soviet system to its current incarnation. Originally conceived as an investment in the economic future of the country, it developed into an educational counterweight to the growing professionalization of instruction during the Soviet regime.…

An experiment in English-as-a-Second-Language pedagogy in a South African university's teacher education program looked at the effects of students' participation in construction of the course syllabus. Results are discussed from three perspectives: learning theory; the culture of learning; and cognitive style. The metaphor of mental…