This study compared patterns of family adaptation to children with developmental delays of South Asian families living in California with similar Euro-American families. Analysis of parent interviews found differences in family support, spousal relations, gender roles, cultural identity, and spirituality. Similarities were found in hope for…

In the context of a project implementing Belgian observation and assessment scales in German kindergartens, a study examined German practitioners' attitudes toward systematic observation of children. The most significant overall finding was the low priority attributed to systematic observation in teacher training and practice. These findings are…

Compared exploratory, symbolic, and social play and interaction of Argentine and U.S. 20-month olds and their mothers. Found patterns of cultural similarity in sex differences and differences in the use of exploratory and symbolic play. Overall, Argentine and U.S. dyads used different modes of exploration, representation, and interaction,…

Addresses multicultural issues surrounding literacy for the future (demographics and cultural histories and philosophical movements), discussing societal forces that impact multicultural education in homogeneous and diverse enclaves of U.S. society; analyzing current U.S. postures around several educational issues in light of these forces;…

Explored the effects of differences between English-language and Chinese numerical systems for naming months and days on calendar calculations. Chinese and U.S. 8- and 10-year olds and undergraduates were asked to name a date coming before or after another given date. Found that Chinese speakers used calculations; English speakers recited names.…

Investigated the perceptual learning style preferences (auditory, visual, kinesthetic, and tactile) and preferences for group and individual learning of Southeast Asian students compared to white students. Surveys indicated significant differences in learning style preferences between Southeast Asian and white students and between the diverse…

Presents the rationale and basic concepts for teaching about World Englishes. Describes a sample instructional unit based on the pilot project the authors conducted in a public high school in North Carolina, in which they provided instruction in linguistic diversity once a week for seven weeks. Includes activities and resources for these seven…

Compared the beliefs of African-American (AA) and European-American (EA) elementary teachers about teaching and literacy development. Teacher interviews found no differences in child development perceptions and approaches to literacy. AA teachers placed more emphasis on the themes of universal educability and teacher responsibility, while EA…

Describes the multicultural language practices used at Western Hills Elementary School in Denver, Colorado. Discusses social and cultural dimensions of learning and their relationships to second language acquisition. Describes exploring cultural diversity through school-wide themes, encouraging second-language development for teachers and…

America must focus on educating its population according to its own "whole-child" standards and prioritize education funding. The "American Way" involves watching TV, participating in organized sports, and allowing teens to work. It would be hard to make necessary social concessions to meet higher standards. (Contains 20…

This poetry activity encourages K-3 students to recognize figurative language and symbolism in their reading and helps make them aware of different cultural heritages. The activity involves reading and discussing the poem, "Tradition," by Eloise Greenfield, (which is provided on a reproducible tear-our sheet), as well as assorted other…

Addresses the question of mother-tongue education of children, especially in francophone countries of Africa. It seeks to contribute to the debate on the integration of local languages into educational systems in multilingual settings by stressing the opposing cultural messages carried by official and indigenous languages. (Author/JL)

Notes public concern over children's moral education, and examines contemporary constructions imposed upon schools by politicians, intellectual forces arising from postmodernism, and pressures of a pluralistic society. Relates the processes that cultivate moral values in a human community to how some schools have successfully achieved a moral…

Examines intergenerational conflict as a precursor to substance use among second-generation Asian-Indian adolescents. Based on systems theory, a structural model depicting the linkage and temporal sequelae of mediating factors is presented. Identifies risk and protective factors unique to Asian-Indian adolescents. Examines the impact of gender…

Locus of control is demonstrated as being an important individual belief for counselors to consider in their work. The influence of western cultural bias on research and therapy using locus of control is considered; areas of related theory are reviewed. Selected research is reviewed; implications for practitioners are discussed. (Author/EMK)