Discusses bias in educational computer software by using examples of database programs to illustrate their cultural selection and amplification functions. Forms of knowledge control are examined, and results of a study that analyzed how gender, ethnicity, and the global perspective are portrayed in educational computer software are reported.…

Analysis of literature concerning approaches to studying in higher education suggests that these vary systematically from one culture to another. Two common orientations are distinguished: comprehension of meaning of learning materials, and reproduction of them. The former is consistent and coherent, the latter fragmented and variable according to…

Trends such as technological innovation, downsizing, self-managed teams, and continuous learning imply that in continuing education technical content must be considered in the context in which skills are used. Knowledge of learning processes and workplace socialization suggests that formal training and informal learning must be integrated to…

The distinction between the culture of a country and the culture of an individual is discussed, and its implications for second-language teaching are examined, particularly in the multicultural classroom. This concept is illustrated through use of a French travel and for second-language instruction. (MSE)

Ten guidelines, along with corresponding teaching techniques and learning activities, are offered for developing students' communicative proficiency as described in the "ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines." The objective is to improve students' Spanish and Portuguese communication ability in authentic, situational contexts. (16 references) (LB)

Discusses (1) the new perspective on children's capabilities provided by focus on discourse; (2) conversation with an older member of the culture as a context for development; (3) links between linguistic and cognitive development; and (4) children as a member of a culture from infancy onward. Developmental changes and problems in discourse study…

A critical approach to the application of research by developmental psychologists is proposed, using a concept of culture derived from agricultural metaphors in the English language. The approach is illustrated in a study of afterschool activities for California children. (SLD)

Introduces the articles in this issue on AIDs in various minority groups, with implications for social workers to improve prevention and education stategies. There is significant knowledge about AIDS, and attitudes related to the illness are more positive in the 1990s than in the 1980s. Suggests that having this information does not necessarily…

Presents a lesson plan on the slave-based rice plantation economy in South Carolina from the late eighteenth century until the Civil War. Includes objectives, teaching activities, maps, handouts of student readings, photographs, and plans for visiting the sites. Discusses plantation life and the culture of the rice economy. (DK)

Summarizes 11 themes of Deloria's "Indian Education in America," including Native versus Western worldview; history of Indian education; Indian versus professional identity; community as key to survival; destructive aspects of American education; necessity of tribal context for education and knowledge; and reconciliation of science and…

This paper considers cross-cultural definitional issues and research directions in the area of child maltreatment. Vulnerable categories of children and circumstances in which children are at greater risk of maltreatment are identified. The embeddedness of child rearing in social networks and the impact of rapid change are discussed. (JDD)

Discusses characteristics of materials that are effective in teaching English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) adult immigrants, considering cultural barriers in North American classrooms. Some basic features ESL literacy teaching are discussed to emphasize needs that ESL literacy materials must meet. (16 references) (Author/LB)

Comparative analysis of economic development on 15 American Indian reservations plus supplementary data on 100 reservations suggest that successful development depends on tribal sovereignty coupled with aggressive assertions of Indian control, effective social institution-building, and appropriate development choices tested against tribal cultural…

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)

Explores connections between comparative and international studies and educational development in Papua New Guinea during the past 20 years. Argues that fears of "qualification escalation" and overproduction of educated school leavers, influence of foreign advisors, and ignoring of contextual factors have resulted in restricted secondary…