International students have identified problems in the college classroom that hinder their learning, including listening difficulties, lack of understanding of differences in cultural background, poor oral communication skills, insufficient vocabulary, and poor writing skills. The students suggest both general and specific ways in which professors…

This study investigated how undergraduate students make meaning from instances of cultural conflict within juvenile novels. Student logs, discussion groups, postwriting, and classroom observations indicated that the case method had strengths and weaknesses, but overall, it encouraged reflection on critical issues. (SM)

Identifies strengths and weaknesses of peer mediation, suggesting flexible guidelines for locally developed, comprehensive approaches to managing complex conflict in schools. The paper examines the background of school conflict programs (providing examples) and outlines approaches that expand the scope of problems concerned educators can manage.…

A longitudinal action-research project began with professional development to help elementary teachers understand differences between the collectivist values of most Latin Americans and the individualistic values of the dominant U.S. culture. Teachers could then capitalize on the collectivist values of helping others to support Latino student…

This article discuses the barriers to the study of culturally diverse families with children with disabilities, cross-cultural studies, and early intervention. Key principles underlying culturally appropriate service provision are applied to three areas: personnel preparation, the structure of services, and the evaluation and modification of…

This article discusses how students, teachers, families, communities, and government can work together using the Comprehensive Support Model (CSM) as an intervention for culturally diverse learners with exceptionalities. Embedded in the discussion are cases that illustrate functions of CSM. The incorporation of multicultural education within the…

This article discusses instructional variables that contribute to a positive classroom climate and serve as setting events for more focused group-individual instructional programs for students with emotional/behavioral disorders. Nonacademic challenges that should be incorporated into these programs are identified and issues are examined that…

Efforts of 10 Japanese and 9 American teachers in Chiba City (Japan) and Ann Arbor (Michigan), respectively, to socialize their students and the 407 Japanese and 207 American students' judgments of norms were compared. Four domains of classroom life were studied: academic performance; academic procedures; social procedures; and morality. (SLD)

Advocates a recognition of students' individual cultures. Describes the efforts of Oglala Lakota College (South Dakota), Daytona Beach Community College (Florida), Northwestern Connecticut Community College, and South Central Community College (Connecticut) to meet the needs of Native Americans, illiterate adults, deaf students, and White students…

Discusses some of the cultural differences between Hispanics and middle class Whites that may create problems in the classroom. Examines the following areas: (1) nonverbal behavior; (2) cognition and perception; and (3) values. (FMW)

Examines the loss of an individual's culture while learning the discourse of academia. Suggests writing topics and assignments that not only help students mediate between school and home cultures, but serve as a base for ongoing teacher research into the ways in which home and university cultures interact. (RAE)

Examines the design of middle schools and cultural differences in the ways Anglos and Navajos view the stages of human development, noting interpretations of child development and their concomitant requisites for appropriate parenting. The article concludes with a discussion of the mismatch between Navajo culture and middle school planners in the…

Describes the typical experiences of German children on their first day of school, as well as primary education in Germany in general. Notes that, in the Grundschule (state primary schools), unlike most American public schools, children are exposed to religious instruction (Catholic and Protestant) and foreign languages. Other similarities and…

Reports on a case study of the role of native-language literacy in the academic achievement of 387 Vietnamese high school students in New Orleans (Louisiana). Finds that literacy in Vietnamese is positively related to identification with the ethnic group and to academic achievement. (CFR)

Asserts that citizens are aware of growing global diversity and interdependence. Maintains that simply providing children with information about other cultures is not enough. Provides a bibliographic essay divided into eight themes related to cultural diversity. (CFR)