Introduces this issue on the Loyola Spirituality Conference, in which participants experienced the process of being educated as a consequence of encountering something strange and different. Participants journeyed into a world of understanding that was unfamiliar to them by experiencing a day of communal sharing and celebratory activities (eating,…

Offers an alternative, structural-based explanation regarding American Indians' lower academic performance compared to their white counterparts. Findings from a sample of 352 American Indian and more than 1,000 white high school students show that perceived structural constraints play a significant role in reducing academic performance among…

A college professor describes the interracial dialog in a master's-level class on race and racism, based on a diary kept during the course. Discussions focused on different races and the stereotypes, prejudices, expectations, and needs of each group. It is concluded that students may not have enough opportunity to engage in such exchanges. (MSE)

Reports successful outcomes for a Teaching English as a Foreign Language module based on simultaneous oral translation from Arabic into English. Learners worked individually in a traditional language laboratory. Results show that simultaneous interpretation significantly improves learner performance and is an excellent tool for diagnosing learner…

Examines the conflict which can arise when differing cultural practices of families and child care facilities clash. Presents a case study that exemplifies the potential conflict. Provides advice for child care practitioners on how to combine two differing perspectives and how to move from arguments and misunderstandings to common concerns. (SD)

Examines the perceptions of parents, educators, and students regarding the educational needs of new English learners, particularly Latinos. Overall, foreign-born students may not know how to relate to American teachers and peers, and educators may not understand students' prior educational experiences and cultural influences. Language is a…

Youth First conducted focus groups and participatory "youth tribunals" across New Zealand, examining experiences of growing up rural. Common themes included "not being listened to," exclusion from citizen participation, and anxiety about the future. Remarkable differences in experience and views were often found in the same…

This article discusses results of two recent surveys in Taiwan. Survey results indicate 99 percent of preschool program directors (n=134) believe they cannot provide services to certain children because of inadequate qualified personnel or lack of appropriate facilities and parents (n=109) of young children with disabilities face many problems.…

Examined social adjustment among high school seniors who had immigrated from the former Soviet Union as early adolescents, investigating cultural influences and gender differences. Students considered the school's role to be academic. They felt more comfortable with same-culture peers and were only marginally influenced by the host culture. There…

Describes differing expectations of Chinese learners in Taiwan and their American instructor that were discovered through participant observation by the instructor. Suggests useful strategies for improving communication through negotiation of the expectations of the participants. (Author/VWL)

Asserts that the teaching profession needs to recognize the natural connections between multicultural and developmental education. Presents eight steps developmental educators can take to promote pluralism, including (1) establishing a clear link between cultural pluralism and institutional and programmatic mission and goals; (2) striving for…

Examined ethical concepts in children's stories derived from Swedish, Hungarian, and Chinese cultures. Identified 12 qualitative categories of ethical meaning. Examined deeper, underlying psychological consequences from the standpoint of prevailing notions. (Author)

With the heightened interest in multiculturalism in higher education, universities and colleges have sought to become multicultural institutions by recruiting faculty with diverse cultural backgrounds. Consequently the faculty of formerly predominantly White colleges throughout the country have become more diverse and it is no longer unusual to…

In this research we examined associations among teacher-articulated beliefs and practices about families, teacher background characteristics, and observed teaching practices in programs that served low-income children and families of color. One hundred and fifty four children (50% girls) and their primary teachers from 12 programs in Los Angeles…

This study was designed to develop more effective ways to address culture and cultural differences in the preparation of preservice teachers. Its purpose was to provide a more adequate preparation for working in high-need schools by assisting educators in the development of "habits of mind" that incorporate an understanding and valuing of…