Jeni Yamada's "Laura" and Michael Tomasello's "First Verbs" continue a tradition of providing useful information on the language ability of individuals in a depth rarely found in multisubject studies; however, these efforts are unusual for case studies in that both take strong theoretical positions on the essence of language and language learning.…

Analyzed 34 environmental education studies published since 1974 that attempted to demonstrate changes in environmentally relevant knowledge, attitudes, or behaviors. Studies are divided into two major categories, in-class and out-of-class programs, and critiqued for findings and methodologies. Findings indicate that future research can refine…

A high school teacher sought to interest her English class in literature by developing a curriculum that included popular movies. After eliciting students' reactions to the films, she helped them list the criteria for film quality. She investigated the reasons for their opinions to help them develop critical thinking skills. (SM)

The middle school movement is not about being better able to meet the learning needs of preadolescents; middle schools are attractive mostly for administrative, not pedagogical reasons. Middle school advocates overlook the cultural context of rural schools and the violence done to communitarian precepts when middle school construction results in…

Argues that the rural development policy for Australia proposed by Jonathan and Katrina Sher in a previous issue of this journal is inadequate because the analysis on which it is based is generally unsubstantiated, supportive arguments have been found invalid, the richness of Australian society is overlooked, and economic arguments are flawed.…

Reexamines M. Elizabeth Tidball's claim that women who graduate from women's colleges accomplish more than other, similar women who graduate from coeducational colleges. The authors believe Tidball's work is insensitive to class issues and argue that her approach does not control for other factors that might covary with whether the college is…

Responds to criticism concerning the communication research conducted by the author about urban schools and immigrant families. The author describes the research approach, defends the lack of parental and community data as appropriate for the stage the study was in, and explains the research is too early to subscribe to the political and…

Offers a critique of contemporary American Shakespeare criticism in higher education. Argues that the current movement, called New Historicism, pursues its political analysis of Shakespeare within the context of a narrow political agenda including issues of race, class, gender, culture, and power determined by specific contemporary concerns. (JB)

Draws on anthropological, sociocultural, and literary analyses of computer use in education to argue that workers, managers, and teachers are right to resist the problems resulting from the computerizing of society. People are being educated to fit the needs of the computer, and computers are producing uniformity in education and society. (five…

Compares the teaching of literature in East and West Germany. Discusses both the nature and titles of the material taught and problems of teaching literature espousing individual thought and criticism in a communist system. Describes common ground in the literature curriculum of both that may serve as a basis for curriculum of unified Germany. (DK)

These volumes offer a blend of genres, authors, and purposes. Specific portraits are provided for each volume in chronological order. The central historical and educational values are in the view that the books give of the world of petit-bourgeois African-American women at the turn of the century. (SLD)

Discusses the failure of filmmaker Spike Lee to grapple with the real politics of Malcolm X before and after he left the Nation of Islam. Acknowledging the complexity of the man and his context would avoid creating a mythical figure similar to Oliver Stone's movie "JFK." (SLD)

Chinese crime fiction is discussed in the context of political and social change. Chinese fiction bears little resemblance to the model police officer of Communist ideology. Crime fiction has become the main vehicle in China for forming public images of police and may become a channel for social discourse. (SLD)

Reviews the evolution of Discipline Based Art Education (DBAE) since its inception in 1984. Asserts that DBAE has had a major impact on art education and now is influencing the performing arts as well. Recommends that DBAE principles should be applied to all of arts education not just the visual arts. (CFR)

Examines Houston Baker's argument for rap music's place in academe. Baker suggests rap as being one of the most creative and productive forms of cultural expression to come along in some time warranting the same kind of scholarly attention afforded the works of history's most noted philosophers and poets. (GLR)