The teaching orientation of a graduating group of students on a BATESL course in Hong Kong is reviewed based on a questionnaire in the five categories of (1) language use; (2) lesson planning and decision making; (3) teaching approach; (4) professional status, relationship, and responsibilities; and (5) perceptions and values. Compares the…

Treatment programs for the growing problem of solvent abuse, in the form of sniffing gasoline, among Canadian-Native youth have had no success. Increased self-esteem, which is central to successful treatment, can only be achieved through programs designed by Native people and based on the their culture. Contains 32 references. (TD)

Chronicles the emergence of community service in the United States, beginning with the turn-of-the-century collision of capitalism and democracy which generated a crisis of community and profound rethinking of the meaning and practice of charity. Three service "paths" are identified: nonprofit human services organizations; active…

Provides general guidelines for enhancing teacher-parent conferences with parents of diverse cultures, particularly conferences to discuss learning or behavior problems. The need for teachers to become aware of personal beliefs, values, and expectations that guide their social interactions and to use culturally sensitive conference strategies are…

Family deficiencies are driving today's youth to search for unconditional love. The cultural denigration of love has become an unrecognized school problem. By using literature and personal writings that portray responsible loving, English teachers can help students overcome indifference to learning and create moral criticisms that are relevant to…

Describes a fourth/fifth-grade classroom in which students make decisions and enjoy school because they are invested in their own learning. Describes how the ability to think autonomously and solve problems is fostered in students by developing a sense of community. Describes how the student-planned social studies curriculum was more extensive…

Some history on health-care decision making is reviewed. The current "individualist" model in the United States is contrasted with "collectivist" models of Asian and Pacific Islander cultures. Decision making styles are discussed in relationship to Western medicine. Six groups' cultural norms are presented. Conflicts with U.S.…

Uses the journalists' tool of "who,""what,""when,""where," and "why" to examine the nature of Canadian citizenship. Notes, in particular, the tradition of a "loyal subject" to the crown. Although largely symbolic, this tradition has engendered a respect for and obedience to the law of the…

Highlighting Massachusetts initiatives, examines the recent state movement toward adoption of curriculum frameworks and state assessments as vehicles for improving accountability and student achievement. Absence of standards guarantees stratified educational opportunities. Reform initiatives should include practitioners; avoid prescriptive,…

Describes the transformation of the philosophy of the teacher education program at the University of South Africa from a traditional, fundamental pedagogical approach to a pluralistic problem-centered approach that encourages trainees to develop their own creative potential. Course outlines and anticipated outcomes are included. (Author/MSE)

Examines whether lists of "effective school" characteristics are universally valid or internationally transferable. Demonstrates difficulties when applying Western school-improvement strategies in the context of South African schools struggling to establish some acceptable, minimal level of functional effectiveness. Describes three…

Today's competitive climate is pressuring public school educators to improve schools in an environment dominated by parent and consumer choice. This article draws on two studies involving Australian principals that illustrate difficult ethical situations. Most participants found the values of marketing and economic rationalism to be inconsistent…

The president of California State University, Northridge, at the time of the 1994 earthquake reflects on the decisions she made following the disaster, concluding that leadership in such a crisis is dependent on an individual's value system and that leadership is seen in performance, not position. Specific examples are discussed, including…

Reviews the history of county fairs and their role in providing agricultural education, transmitting traditional values and skills, and encouraging intergenerational learning. Summarizes experiences of rural youth who have, as a result of participating in the Bauer County Fair (Wisconsin), increased their understanding of and commitment to rural…

Explains the results of a survey given to over 1,000 students in Sakskaii Raion, the Republic of Crimea. The survey consisted of questions concerning what personal qualities the students' valued and whom would they wish to emulate. Students overwhelmingly valued intelligence and chose to emulate family members. (MJP)