This first issue of the new "Pacific Educational Research Journal" offers articles covering diverse subjects and using diverse research methods. The new journal represents a rejuvenation of a previous publication to address educational issues specific to the Pacific region. Ethnic groups specifically addressed include Hawaiians,…

Maintains that it is critical that caregivers and teachers learn to use Southeast Asian children's and parents' names properly. Discusses the structure and use of names among four Southeast Asian subgroups: Vietnamese, Cambodians, Laotians, and Hmongs. Teaching suggestions are offered. (BB)

Describes the physical and linguistic structure of subcommunities of Hmong students in northern California with emphasis on communicative channeling and cultural mechanisms regulating information dissemination. Hmong students and their teachers use cultural/linguistic brokers extensively to communicate. (nine references) (Author/CK)

This study investigated race and gender differences among 73 Hmong American and 80 Caucasian American college students. Racial differences were found only among the women, with Hmong women holding more positive attitudes toward weight concern body items and expressing less interest in changing these body items than Caucasian women. There were no…

Although much research has been done on bilingual students from a variety of backgrounds, little research has been done specifically on the needs of K-12 Hmong students. Hmong students are refugees and children of refugees who immigrated to the United States since 1975, leaving their home country of Laos. California public schools have…

A primary purpose of this book is to show the danger of racism and inaccuracy in the often-told Asian American success story by telling about the other side of Asian American academic success. Outlining an approach to family-based multicultural education, the book provides a model for paraprofessional, bicultural counselors to meet the needs of…

A collection in English of selected readings is presented from "Phau Xyuaum Nyeem Zaj Lus," a publication used as a Hmong literacy primer. The purpose of the collection is threefold: (1) to provide intermediate limited English proficient Hmong refugees with reading passages in English that they could relate to; (2) to present Hmong world views in…

Focus groups with Hmong American undergraduates examined their educational experiences in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Over 25 years after the first Hmong refugees arrived, cultural difference is still used to explain the status of Hmong communities. Hmong children are said to be excelling in school, though reports do not consider the high numbers of…

The information in this guide should help speech and language pathologists and others who are responsible for the assessment of students from the target populations, African Americans and Hmong students in Wisconsin. The guide provides information pertaining to cultural factors influencing learning and language and recommended procedures for…

The dramatic shift in immigration patterns is discussed. By the end of the 1980s Asian refugees will account for 75.2 percent and Southeast Asians will total 60 percent of immigrants. The new Asians are too often excluded from special programs and scholarships and forced to compete with native-born Asians. (MLW)

Demonstrates ways that a classroom teacher can get a distorted picture of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students and their resources and how viewing literacy in a social context illustrates the way relationships are negotiated. Suggestions are made for teachers to create ESL classrooms where the role of literacy in students' lives can be…

Studied the relationships of socialization, child rearing, and primary cultural experiences and the impact of the acculturating experiences of living in the United States on the cognitive styles of 150 Laotian Hmong intermediate, middle, and high school students. Findings suggest that traditional socialization at home is being modified by these…

The dramatic increase in the number and proportions of Asian American students over the last two decades has influenced the curricula and academic programs of many colleges and universities. This book provides background for the study of Asian American issues through data on sociologically important variables and issues for Asian Americans as a…

An ethnographic study is reported using participant and nonparticipant observations, interviews, and analysis of school files on 77 Hmong students to probe factors affecting tendencies to incorrectly label Hmong students as learning disabled. Case studies are discussed in the context of Hmong history, refugees' experiences, and language factors.…

Summarizes factors in cultural experience that affect approaches to learning and problem solving. Reviews evidence of the past 30 years on cognitive style differences in U.S. culturally diverse groups: Asian Americans, Mexican Americans, African Americans, and Native Americans. Discusses mediating effects of gender and social class within cultural…