Investigates interactions between student background characteristics and college entrance criteria and the behaviors that students have in college. Precollege characteristics and college experiences affect student performance and satisfaction, as reported in this study of African American and white students on a predominantly white campus.…

Describes an undergraduate class activity where students write a letter of substance (thoughtful argument supported by facts) to someone they feel has a direct impact on the environment. Future assignments include replicating this process on e-mail. Includes a brief discussion of environmentally related Web sites. (MJP)

Praises the theoretical and methodological potential of the field of political communication. Calls for greater interaction and cross fertilization among the fields of political science, sociology, economics, and psychology. Briefly discusses relevant research methodologies. (MJP)

Investigates the influence of the teacher's presence/absence on primary children's group work in a World Studies class. Discovered that, although children generally remain on task, the teacher's presence resulted in improved quality and consistency. Includes tables of statistical and observational data, as well as excerpts from the students'…

Criticizes the very notion of national standards for history. Maintains that the interpretative nature of historical study does not lend itself to the establishment of a single set of curricular standards. Argues that the most effective means of improving history instruction is to improve education for history teachers. (MJP)

Maintains that a paramount task of religious education is to expose and redress social injustice. Identifies two of the most pervasive problems as sexism and racism. Argues that, because of their theological authenticity and influence, religious educators are in a unique position to effect social change. (MJP)

Identifies charisma and inspirational leadership as the most important characteristics of transformational leaders. Discusses how middle and secondary school music conductors can use the transformational leadership model. Summarizes key components of this model including positive modeling, sharing vision, and empowering others. Provides relevant…

Investigates and compares the effects of motivation for service on persistence in teaching among teachers in the 1960s and 1970s. With the exception of women in the 1960s (when few alternative careers were available), frustration among service-oriented teachers led to low levels of teacher persistence. (MJP)

Analyzes how corruption is linked to scandalization in the traditions of European countries and how this has helped shape contemporary perceptions. Compares and contrasts levels of tolerance and manifestations of corruption. Includes a table of nations ranked on reputation for corrupt public services. (MJP)

Provides an overview of political corruption and its place in Japanese culture and society. Discusses recent scandals and efforts at political reform. These efforts are moving Japan from a "boss-patronage" system to a "civic-culture." Includes a table of post-war Japanese prime ministers and corruption scandals. (MJP)

Provides a brief overview of the current arguments concerning campaign finance reform and congressional term limits. Discusses limits on spending, special interest contributions, "soft money," the power of incumbents, and the role of Political Action Committees. Includes a brief historical synopsis of campaign finance reform movements.…

Summarizes and reports on a large body of statistical evidence that suggests US voting patterns relate more to general attitudes and beliefs than to any substantive evaluation of policy positions. Studies reveal that voter preference often is determined by parental influence and party loyalty. Discusses possible reasons and implications. (MJP)

Discusses issues of diversity as program objectives in recruiting, selecting, and training peer mediators. Asserts that coordinators of peer mediation programs should select mediators that represent a cross section of the student body that reflects sensitivity to the school's demographic composition. (KW)

Examined link between Chinese teachers' beliefs about classroom aggression and withdrawal and their support of middle schoolers, and student behaviors, peer acceptance, and self-perceived social competence. Found that teachers' aversion to aggression and empathy toward withdrawal enhanced self-perceptions of both aggressive and withdrawn children…

Considers the validity of applying common assessment instruments and scales to assess the language skills of Australian school-age language learners from different first-language backgrounds. Findings reveal a strong relationship between home exposure to the language and the level of performance on the listening and reading components of the…