Examination of longitudinal data regarding East Asian university students' characteristics indicated that many of these students, because of the great strain placed on them to excel academically, undergo continuous stress and suffer serious socio-emotional problems. These problems adversely affect these students' cognitive skills and academic…

In a 1-year certification course in which independent study alternated with classroom teaching, 722 students were surveyed regarding their attitudes toward self-study readiness, help in solving study problems, and significance of study in their lives. Social networks were important unofficial sources of help. Attitudes toward study differed from…

A survey of junior high school student interest in career and postsecondary education planning found willingness to participate in planning activities and to sacrifice to achieve postsecondary educational goals are directly related to their post-high school plans. Early-awareness activities are unlikely to be well-received by a significant…

Examines connections between the increase in the number of young Black males in prison and their decreasing representation among college students. Discusses the following factors: (1) breakdown of the family; (2) drugs; (3) racism; (4) youth attitudes toward education; and (5) teacher expectations. Emphasizes the need for Black male role models.…

Analyzes the education of Black children in mathematics. The following factors influence mathematics achievement: (1) course enrollment patterns; (2) role models and significant others; and (3) attitudes toward mathematics. The following facets of field-dependent mathematics instruction are discussed: (1) identity; (2) security; and (3) validity.…

Describes the activities of two Head Start programs, Murray Head Start in Murray, Kentucky, and Inn-Circle in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Both programs integrate families into wider communities, and bring community resources into their programs to better serve parents and children. Both programs illustrate how Head Start can become a community hub for…

Results of a survey of almost 20,000 college faculty in 14 countries (Australia, Brazil, Chile, England, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Russia, Sweden, United States) are summarized. The survey investigated faculty demography, attitudes toward teaching and learning, academic governance, national and international…

Surveys of 663 students in grades 3-6 in 6 small rural Texas school districts found that student attitudes toward mathematics became more negative as they progressed through elementary school. Girls had more positive attitudes than boys, but gender differences decreased at higher grade levels. (SV)

This article addresses five misconceptions relating to academic tenure, arguing against the notions that tenure is no longer necessary for the defense of academic freedom; is simply job security and exchangeable for other benefits; diminishes academic quality; is no longer feasible because of the elimination of mandatory retirement; and is a…

Presents the results of three experiments using dialect readers in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) to improve the reading comprehension of African American elementary and secondary school students. It is concluded that dialect readers represent a viable alternative for teaching AAVE speakers to read. (61 references) (MDM)

This reprint of a 1980 article argues that there is a unique global consciousness inherent in the "prepared environment" of Maria Montessori's student-centered, nurturing curriculum for young children. Maintains that war and peace, overpopulation, hunger, environmental problems, and other global concerns can be addressed through…

Surveyed 95 teachers of English as a Second Language (ESL) concerning teacher burnout, finding that the teachers surveyed showed less depersonalized attitudes toward their students than any other educator or human services group for which comparative data is available. (contains 22 references) (MDM) (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse for ESL Literacy…

Discusses the experiences of a Montessori teacher educator in Britain during World War II, describing how the wartime situation affected teacher education practices. Also examines the main features of Montessori teacher education then in practice. (MDM)

In developing a physics course that would capture medical student interest at the University of Queensland (Australia), it was discovered that there is minimal correlation between students' interest in a subject and perceptions of its difficulty but strong correlation between interest and perception of its relevance to clinical studies.…

A factual account of a 10-minute conversation between a husband and wife about their daughter's application to college depicts marital problems. Closer examination reveals the tensions facing the middle class family and the significance to them of academic competition, higher education, comparative generational success, and social acceptance.…