Describes a theory of grandparent development. African-American (n=777), Caucasian (n=1086), and Hispanic (n=672) subjects of a three-generations study were administered the Grandparent Strengths and Needs Inventory. Perceptions of each generation about the attitudes and behaviors of grandparents were examined. Results showed significant…

Describes a first-grade classroom to illustrate a classroom environment that supports second-language learners while drawing on linguistic diversity to enrich the language learning of all students. Discusses resources and routines; as well as risks and rewards both in a rich language arts curriculum as well as in the social environment. Describes…

Reports a study of the relationship between nonverbal forms of communication, principally gestures, and second language (L2) private speech through recall and picture narration task. Results show nonverbal elements illuminate the private speech they accompany, and gestures alone act in a self-regulatory capacity after pauses, implying a connection…

Investigated relationships between parenting style and adolescents' academic achievement in Hong Kong, United States, and Australia. Found cultural differences in general and academic authoritarianism and general authoritativeness. Academic achievement was negatively related to academic authoritarianism and was positively related to general…

"Texts and Teachers," a truly collaborative, NEH-funded program originating in Brown University's Department of Comparative Literature, is a long-term university/high-school partnership in creating interdisciplinary courses. Sample course titles include "Desire and the Marketplace,""Coming of Age," and "City…

Transition stress is intensified for students entering not just a new school, but a new country. Educators can help adolescent immigrants by providing access to information, supporting English language and academic development (via newcomer schools and sheltered English content programs), and promoting access to postsecondary education. (MLH)

A study assessed how 141 Republic of Palau teachers perceived the severity of potentially abusive incidents and their intervention recommendations. For less-severe parental misconduct, teachers were reluctant to involve nonfamily and outside agencies. Sexual abuse was rated the most serious type of abuse, and intervention was highly recommended.…

Suggests that while various models of bilingual education have been implemented in Aboriginal communities in Australia's Northern Territory, the degree to which these programs operate successfully is quite another matter. One example from a particular program outlines the ongoing miscommunication that occurs between Aboriginal students and their…

Examines explanations for gender differences in such behaviors as comforting and emotional support. Fails to reveal many meaningful differences between the male and female undergraduate student subjects--let alone differences that were dichotomous or of "grand magnitude." Suggests that the "different cultures account" appears to be an overly…

Presents brief annotations of 25 outstanding books for children and young adults, published in 1997, that are culturally authentic, rich in cultural details, and that celebrate both diversity and the common bonds of humanity. (SR)

Describes a "Letters Across Cultures" project that paired high school seniors with new college students in an e-mail exchange. Notes that, although students were to explore cultural differences between high school and college life, what arose was a series of cross cultural and other "misconducts" illustrating ways students relied upon stereotypes…

Describes the author's experiences teaching at four Taiwanese universities in eight years. Presents a way of dealing with students' needs called the discovery approach to teaching literature: the three main components are performances, activities, and journals. Notes that the Taiwanese students were hungry for talk about substantive issues. (RS)

Presents a student's reaction to having American teachers at her Slovakian university. Discusses students' learning styles and expectations, which are quite different from what most American teachers are used to. (RS)

Using a postpositivistic method of inquiry, this study examined themes that emerged in the language of Latino, African-American, Native-American, immigrant Asian, and low-income Anglo individuals as they nominated individuals for a hypothetical gifted program. Reflected values differed from group to group and differed considerably from those…

Discusses a sociocultural model of a deaf child as a bilingual minority and examines its implications for deaf education. A case is made for recognizing ethnic diversity within the deaf community in implementing programs that strengthen the self-identities of children. The use of technology is addressed. (Author/CR)