A sample of 333 8th, 10th, and 12th graders completed a questionnaire measuring their academic motivational orientations through items investigating perceptions of causal attributions and actual causal attributions. Results show a number of gender differences, with girls more likely to attribute failure to lack of ability and lack of effort. (SLD)

Investigated four hypotheses regarding gender differences in mathematic achievement. Questionnaires were completed by 97 students (58 female and 39 male). Responses support two hypotheses: females do not perform as well as males, especially on standardized tests; roles played by parents, teachers, and peers contribute to these differences.…

Discussion of languages in Australia looks at the multicultural makeup of the society, the role of English, dynamics of language contact situations (community language change, intergenerational language shift, other factors in maintenance and shift), societal and individual multilingualism, and support for multilingualism (language policies,…

Preschool children within the Head Start program completed a picture identification study to assess their healthy behavior recognition. Results indicated that the instrument was a stable tool for assessing preschoolers' picture recognition abilities. There were significant age and ethnic group differences, but gender was not a factor. (SM)

Examines factors having a bearing on boy/girl performance in second-language classes in the United Kingdom. Findings indicate that boys attach less importance to learning a foreign language than girls do; girls are more conscientious about their schoolwork than boys are; expectations for boys and girls are different; and students value the…

In rural Guatemala, long-standing ethnic differences in economic well-being widened during 1988-95 despite rapid national economic growth. Analysis of data from three national surveys found that returns to education were substantially lower for rural indigenous households, especially those where the head of household did not speak Spanish.…

Examined in 2 studies development and consequences of 6- to 10-year-olds' awareness of others' stereotypes. Findings indicated that children's ability to infer an individual's stereotype and awareness of broadly-held stereotypes increased with age. Academically stigmatized groups (African American and Latino) were more likely to be aware of…

Discusses research on Catholic pillarization. Argues that some European countries are internally divided into blocks of different religions and political persuasions. Outlines the success of the pillars in the areas of education and healthcare. Stresses that other social sectors which function impersonally are not influenced by the pillars. (CAJ)

Discusses the results of a study conducted at the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak that investigated the effects of student characteristics and instructional variables on satisfaction and achievement in a Web-based course. Considers gender, age, scholastic aptitude, learning styles, initial computer skills, time spent on the course, perceptions of…

Investigated family characteristics that enabled children to achieve competence despite being exposed to socioeconomic adversity during early childhood and analyzed the long-term outcomes of this positive adaptation. Found that protective factors modifying the impact of adversity were context specific and showed age and period effects. Although…

Native Americans have oral traditions that are distinct from the European literacy consciousness, having different modes of discourse, different kinds of metaphorical thinking, and different conceptions of teaching as storytelling. Storytelling is important in children's education, but to be effective and respectful of Native culture, school…

Argues that identity and language issues are a powerful influence on education politics and policies in Switzerland. Uses the introduction of second language instruction as a case study to illustrate why and how education policy reflects Switzerland's cultural, linguistic diversity, and the strong local and regional identities of its citizens.…

Discusses sex differences as they appear from a resource-oriented as opposed to a problem-oriented perspective. A study examined a sample of 10- and 13-year olds, collecting data from the children, their parents, and teachers in questionnaire form. Results portrayed girls as competence "winners," while boys became more visible than girls…

A study of families' means of paying for college using data from the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study strongly indicates that part of the process of deciding how students should pay for college is the parents' college financing experience. These effects appear in patterns in parent contribution, amount of financial aid received, and use of…

A survey of 20 parents of 3-year-old children attending an early childhood service in an isolated rural community in Victoria, Australia, found an overwhelming desire for children to develop social skills. Preparation for city life, exposure to cultural opportunities, and having teachers prepared for the unique aspects of rural life were also…