This paper examines how semiotic analysis may be useful in teaching media literacy to nonnative speakers of English (NNSs), including both immigrants and international students who plan to return to their countries. It focuses on two television shows. The first show, "Friends," covers issues and problems of contemporary urban life for…

This document is intended to provide educators with guidance and strategies to increase the participation of families from diverse backgrounds in mediation programs to settle differences about educational programs for children with disabilities. Introductory information discusses what mediation is, who mediators are, a typical mediation process,…

Examines potential sources of bias in aptitude and achievement testing of minority and, particularly, Black students. Holds that bias in standardized tests cannot be properly understood without reference to the socioeconomic matrix from which it has evolved. (Author/GC)

Case studies of reactions of various cultures to western health practices, from Benjamin Paul's book "Health, Culture and Community" (1955), are reviewed. It is noted that this book, which makes the point that cultures and perceptions of different countries and peoples will always vary, is still not too "dated" for instructional use. (CJ)

In eight articles, discusses values clarification: its history, controversial issues, and future. Addresses the application of values clarification in career counseling, school counseling, counselor training, civil liberties, and counseling the culturally different. An annotated bibliography is included. (JAC)

Reports on a study that found no significant relationship between Mexican-American students' perceptions of their cognitive competence and reading teachers' perceptions of that competence. (FL)

A study in which Filipino and American undergraduate students rated college instructor characteristics according to their perceived importance for effective teaching is discussed. Filipino students rated items pertaining to authoritarianism and personal appearance of the instructor as significantly more important for effective teaching than did…

This comparative study of Indian and contemporary Western views on moral education reveals that the Indian view differs in its conception, objectives, content and methodology, and the interpretation of the role of the teacher. "Doing," rather than "knowing," feeling, rather than reason, play the central role. (Author/SJL)

Self-concept test scores among Inuit, Montagnais Indian and White seventh and eighth graders in four Labrador communities showed some differences in net conflict, self-satisfaction, self-criticism and identity. These may be due to several factors: reading ability, cultural differences, isolation, and other factors in Labrador culture. (MH)

The theory of culturally biased test scores is discussed, in terms of both the Bakke case and the theory's broader societal implications. Literature addressing the problem of test bias is reviewed. Remedies for predictive invalidity are proposed. The importance of thorough documentation in court litigation concerning this issue is stressed.…

This article compares the varied rates at which formal schooling was institutionalized among four neighboring groups in colonial Kenya: the Idakho, Isukha, Maragoli, and Tiriki peoples. Their different reactions to the Friends Africa Mission school movement is considered as one factor in the availability of schools to each group. (SJL)

Presents strategies for exploring the cultural content of feature foreign films in the language or culture and civilization classroom. Examples are taken from Francois Truffaut's "L'Argent de poche" and from Agnes Varga's "L'Une Chante, L'autre pas." (AM)

Investigates age, sex, and cultural differences in achievement motivation. Subjects were 764 male and female British high school and Chinese students aged 13-55. Results revealed that Chinese students tested highest for achievement motivation. Discusses the entire range of results in terms of sociocultural and situational factors. (MJP)

Ten years after initial participation by 729 American, Chinese, and Japanese first graders and their mothers, interviews and achievement tests completed by 475 students from this sample found high stability of achievement relationships among all three societies. Associations between early predictors and achievement were similar for all groups.…

Considers the relationship between disability and cultural diversity in a discussion of parent perceptions and participation, disability as a culturally and socially constructed phenomenon, differing ways of dealing with a disability, and differing methods of communication. Recommendations based on research and practice are offered. (DB)