Describes an ethnographic study of a first-year writing classroom focusing on narrative's role in that particular classroom culture at a mid-size state university. Argues for narrative's constitutive and epistemic value in a writing classroom and for the autobiographical anecdote in particular as a bridge between teaching and learning. (SC)

Describes a study unit for ESL (English Second Language) students on language and identity. Explores the dichotomy of attitudes and behavior occurring when a nonnative speaker tries to embrace a new language and culture. Concludes that reading and writing about multicultural literature in the ESL classroom helps students gain language skills and…

Presents a case study involving three incoming first-year community college students who were advised into developmental reading courses because of low scores on the Nelson Denny Reading Test. Finds that while the developmental reading course was beneficial for two of the students, it was found to be an unnecessary course for the third student.…

This article explores the literature that supports the use of family stories to help special educators better understand the sociohistorical reality and ways of thinking of diverse families and communities. Examples from the work of student interns provide evidence for the seven key dispositions necessary for special educators using family…

Describes the emergence and the content of what is referred to as "disability studies," an emerging field of critical inquiry in literary and language studies that is helping to forge a more tolerant academic community. (Author/VWL)

Reports on a review of 59 books for young children portraying characters with disabilities. Finds children's books are accurately portraying the diversity of disabilities prevalent today but fail to reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity of society. (NH)

Ponders issue of schools, school prayer, and religion. Shows how a teachable moment can promote moral and societal values without imposing specific views of any particular religion. Argues that religious perspectives can and should be part of the study of art, literature, and history, and that books can be used as literary sources linking religion…

Describes ways to develop productive international teams in the international marketplace. Discusses obstacles, including language and distance; a model for effective global team performance; cultural differences; shared goals; communication; lack of information; leadership; work procedures; compensation; lack of knowledge or skills; and hindered…

Continues the discussion of critical approaches to culture through comments on an earlier article by Kubota (v33 n1 Spr 1999). Raises questions about Kubota's discussion of the need for critical multiculturalism, and Kubota responds. (Author/VWL)

Discusses autonomy in language related to East-Asian contexts, describing autonomy in language learning, proposing a framework for learners in all contexts, examining three sources of sociocultural influence that could affect students' approaches to learning in East Asia, and considering attitudes and habits of learning that might result from such…

Explores third graders' responses to the question "What's Canadian about Canadian Children's Literature?" Describes 6 picture books and summarizes students' responses to each. Finds students mentioned geographical aspects as characteristic of Canadian literature, and they felt Canadian children's literature should reflect Canadian "experiences."…

Suggests that oral skills classes provide the ideal forum in which to address discourse issues, and that target-language discourse norms, particularly as they relate to another cultural belief system, must be taught explicitly. (Author/VWL)

Investigated the differences in teaching management information systems to business, accounting, and economics students at Towson University in Maryland and economics and accounting students at Anhui University in China; also sought a teaching paradigm for visiting college-level teachers in China. Found differences in student behavior regarding…

Analyzes conflict over multicultural education as an example of Bourdieu's classification struggle, highlighting contests over the reconstruction of U.S. history. The paper examines: what is at stake in how a nation is symbolically constructed; how multiculturalism engages in classification struggle and the nature of resistance; limitations in…

Assessed individualism, collectivism, self-enhancement, and attitudes toward high achievers in New Zealand European and Maori college students. Maori students had a stronger collective orientation and higher self-esteem. Both groups displayed high self-enhancement levels and favored rewarding high achievers. Self-enhancement and attitudes toward…