Describes study that examined the effects of combining word processors, spelling checkers, and spelling drill and practice programs to individualize spelling instruction for fifth- and sixth-grade students. Treatments for the experimental and control groups are explained, selection of software is discussed, and suggestions for software development…

Reports on a study of a BBC children's television program, "Corners," that was conducted to determine how suitable the program was for its intended audience. Three age groups of children (6-, 7-, and 11-year-olds) were compared, and child development factors and future production decisions are discussed. (10 references) (LRW)

Our culture's preoccupation with gender differences is reflected in the importance developmental psychologists have placed on gender-related issues. Discusses the following areas of research where gender has been a primary focus: (1) measurement of intellectual abilities; (2) biology and behavior; and (3) socialization processes. Discusses policy…

Studies the capacity of sex role stereotyped portrayals of men and women found in popular rock music videos to alter viewers' impressions of a man and a woman who subsequently were seen interacting. Concludes that the videos perpetuate traditional sex role stereotypes. (FMW)

Examines sex-group differences in anxiety, curiosity, and anger, as states and traits, among Israeli college students, and compares the data with norms available for American students. Observed sex-group differences are discussed and explained. (FMW)

This study investigates the status of depression among sex-related emotional differences in adolescents and examines the organizational properties of emotion relative to other life experience. Fifth-, seventh-, ninth-, and eleventh-grade students reported on experience and situational dynamics of 12 emotions. Gender differences in adolescent…

Discusses the importance of the cultural component in the language learning process for providing a sound communication base. Examples are presented that reflect differences in speech patterns, such as politeness, of native speakers of British and Moroccan Arabic, with emphasis on culturally specific language patterns. (25 references)(OD)

Whether significant differences exist between student characteristics (sex, grade point average, and class level) and student perceptions of teacher traits in terms of their importance to learning was studied in 401 undergraduates at a midwestern university. Significant differences for sex and class level are discussed. (SLD)

Discusses themes and characteristics of multicultural children's literature that promote understanding of cultural groups and other forms of diversity. The bibliography, which is organized by subject area, lists 58 works for children and young adults and 47 professional books and articles. Publishers of multicultural children's books and of…

Contends that the English coffee house was a social and economic institution that served as a daily newspaper and a center of commerce. Discusses coffee house origins, development, significance, and decline. Concludes that the coffee house served as a transition from medieval society to an age of rationality and industry. (CFR)

Maintains that E. D. Hirsch's book, "Cultural Literacy," is based on an anthropological rather than a normative view of societies and, therefore, does not claim that one society is more cultured than another. Concludes that historical understanding or other forms of cultural literacy requires wider criteria of significance than Hirsch…

Describes a study of fifth- and sixth-grade students that investigated the patterns of peer interaction among students working cooperatively in small groups on a computer-based problem-solving task and the effects of gender and group composition on peer interaction. Suggestions for future research are included. (Contains 86 references.) (LRW)

Describes a study of 80 undergraduate foreign language learners that compared the use of a hyper-reference source incorporating an electronic dictionary and a conventional paper dictionary. Measures of consultation frequency, study time, efficiency, and comprehension are examined; bilingual and monolingual dictionary use is compared; and further…

Reports on a study of student perceptions of harmdoers among 164 second and fifth-grade Japanese students. Finds that older children perceived the harmdoer who apologized as less intentional and more remorseful than the harmdoer who made excuses and accepted the harmdoer's excuses only when they believed that the harm was not intended. (CFR)

Presents an interview with Cornel West, author of "Race Matters" and "Keeping Faith," about cultural pluralism, racial relations, and democratic values. Concludes that the ongoing struggle for justice is an integral element of what it means to be an American. (CFR)