Reports on a study of 14,249 students to determine whether participation in specific extracurricular activities (athletics and fine arts) significantly reduces a student's likelihood of dropping out. Finds that, when all activities are examined, only athletic participation remains significantly related to dropping out. (ACM)

Disputes the commonly-held view that the Puritans of colonial New England were adamant opponents of alcohol consumption. Maintains that the tavern gradually became a central social institution, where food, drink, conversation, and entertainment ameliorated the stresses of daily living. (CFR)

By procrastinating, allowing others to keep them from studying, deliberately not trying, and using other "self-handicapping" strategies, students can convey that those circumstances, rather than lack of ability, are the reasons for subsequent poor performance. Survey data from 256 eighth-grade students indicated that boys use those strategies more…

Contends that, because the school curriculum is slow to adapt to societal change, the social studies curriculum is ripe for a needs assessment and change. Presents elementary social studies teachers with seven challenges of expanding communications technology. (CFR)

Reports on a study of the impact of group work with computers on male and female interaction in two classes of 9 to 10-year-old British students. Addresses concerns that, despite teachers' sensitivity to gender issues, expected benefits of intervention do not occur. Recommends increased emphasis on collaborative group work. (CFR)

Data were collected on the media exposure of between 64 and 101 Moroccan adolescents and their use of media images in social behavior, choice of mate, and career aspirations. Although males had more exposure to Western media, both sexes were eager to reconcile traditional Islamic and contemporary media-relayed values. (SLD)

The spoken language occurring when primary school children work in groups at the computer was examined. Findings suggest that discourse accompanying highly structured software conforms well to the initiation/response/follow-up (IRF) structure, with the computer often taking the initiating role. The more open-ended the program, the more…

Examines strategies used by Hmong adults learning to read and write in their first language. Data collected through classroom observation and translation from Hmong research assistants identified cooperative learning behavior, learning through example, concern with explicit direction and reluctance to perform in front of others as predominant…

Maintains that, during the intifada (the revolt of Palestinians against Israeli occupation), the social order and power bases in Arab schools in East Jerusalem were transformed by significant social change. Discusses the rapid decline in teachers' authority and students' abuse of teachers and their property. (CFR)

Reports a study that examined how one ethnically encapsulated white beginning teacher responded to African American students' unfamiliar ethnic behavior. Interviews, observations, and journal data indicated that he was underprepared to teach in multicultural settings and noted that ineffective interracial classroom relationships stifled learning…

To eliminate gender-based inequities, physical educators must use inclusive teaching behaviors and effective management and instructional strategies. The article discusses gender discrimination in physical education as a socially constructed issue, explaining the reasons that inequities in instruction, participation, and opportunities persist.…

Twelve First-Nations teacher-education students at the University of British Columbia were interviewed concerning experiences in anthropology classes. Students were disturbed by instructors' authoritative presentations of First Nations issues, presentations that did not correspond with students' knowledge and experience. Analyzes the process of…

Reviews studies positing gender differences in communicative styles and documenting differences between boys' and girls' classroom behaviors, along with feminist critiques of such studies. Also investigated are perceptions of secondary students of English as a Second Language (ESL) about gendered speech. (53 references) (LR)

Contends that imagination and creativity go hand in hand and that creativity can and must be cultivated among students at all levels of education. Presents a classroom approach where students are the experts on a variety of global issues and projects. Includes 7 tables illustrating the approach and 21 descriptions of student roles. (CFR)

Discusses rape issues and contends that education about it should be provided at all grade levels. Presents a lesson in which students distinguish between facts and myths of rape and identify situations in which the legal definition of rape is met. (CFR)