Using the construct of personal self-efficacy as a foundation, methods for building science teaching confidence in preservice teachers are described. Methods include microteaching, cooperative learning, role models, experiential learning, computer use, and others. The interrelatedness of science anxiety, attitude toward science, and low science…

Stipulates that critical thinking requires classroom environments mutually created by social studies students and teachers. Suggests empowerment and cooperative learning become more than buzz words in environments conducive to critical thinking. Provides a list of questions for students and teachers to examine their roles in creating democratic…

Traces development of U.S. cities through the colonial town, market place town, radial center, fringe city, and the multicentered metropolis. Notes the 1970 census showed the United States as a suburban nation. Examines the housing patterns of urban cities that continue to lose population. (NL)

The quality and quantity of science classroom interactions in relationship to gender were identified. The observational variables included level of question, type of response, method of attraction, target student gender, teacher gender, and class enrollments. The results suggest that female students have fewer interactions with science teachers…

Discusses the development of Japanese elementary education in the context of three periods of its history. Considers salient characteristics of Japanese elementary schools and teaching procedures; these include curriculum; social and moral education; classroom environment; teachers; afterschool classes; college entrance examinations; the kyoiku…

Presents a classroom project dealing with tropical deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon. Addresses environmental consequences and economic, social, and political causes. Involves both lectures and individual research and reports by student groups on deforestation causes. Includes a note-playing activity in which students make recommendations for…

Suggests the need for a law and geography course to prepare future geographers to contribute to implementation of the law. Proposes a course outline, including an introduction, major existing research areas, and exploration of developing new research areas combining law and geography. Stresses the importance of social and environmental data in…

The 11 articles in this issue present the message that African-American students can succeed and that a significant body of knowledge already exists to help them. The Institute for the Education of At-Risk Students proposed by Congress would be the optimum vehicle for continuing the research highlighted in the 11 articles. (SLD)

Cross-nationally compares dimensions of psychosocial environment and behavior and environment-behavior relations for 202 boys and 217 girls in India, rated by their mothers, to a U.S. normative sample of 292 boys and 252 girls. Similar dimensions of behavior and environment emerge for both samples. (SLD)

Demographic characteristics of juvenile victims of crime and a potential relationship between victimization and self-reported delinquency are examined for 877 adolescents from a large midwestern city. Lifetime victimization rates (LVRs) are higher for those involved in delinquency, and LVRs rise with age and higher levels of delinquent behavior.…

Ethnographically examines factors impacting academic performance of 23 Sioux Indian high school students in Canada during the transition from reservation elementary school to public high school. Factors affecting responses to environments without consideration of Indian culture are discussed in light of the withdrawal of 18 students from school.…

Investigates the relationship between family social status of 1,734 seventh through twelfth grade students in an urban Southern California district and crime or delinquency committed by these students in a school context. Acts of school delinquency are related to school attendance, sex, and age. Discusses reasons for the relationships. (SLD)

Discussed is the possibility that the salmon found in the Columbia River (Idaho) is an endangered species. A list of threatened or endangered animal species in the Pacific Northwest is included. Activities that deal with the topics of diversity, endangered species, and what is being done about them are provided. (KR)

Presents information from the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) 1989 State of the World Environment Report. Provides an overview of global environmental concerns, including overpopulation, air and water pollution, global warming, hazardous waste disposal, and species extinction. Reaffirms the need to dedicate research and development…

The extent of developmentally appropriate practices was studied in 103 kindergarten classrooms across North Carolina. Ninety-three teachers and 93 principals were also surveyed to determine predictors of classroom quality. Only 20 percent of the classes met criteria for developmental appropriateness, and quality was predictable from teacher and…