An examination of the Japanese system of higher education, viewed in comparison with the U.S. system, looks at the cultural context of education in general, organization of institutions and instruction, college admission, women's education, undergraduate student life, and Japanese interest in higher education change. Prospects for change are…

Based on the idea that college student involvement in campus activities enhances student development, the University of Rhode Island has established a research project that gathers information on student cocurricular background and interests and monitors student participation in campus organizations and its correlation to student confidence and…

Service learning programs, which combine practical volunteer community service experience with traditional academic study, are cost effective and meaningful alternatives to college activities programing. Such programs increase learning options, are good public relations, can involve faculty and departments, and attract a wider variety of students…

Colleges and universities can work for environmental protection in a variety of ways, through conscious consumer choices, communication of environmental values through educational programs, participation in environmental groups, recycling, scrutiny of food service practices, campus special projects, and working with other campus services to…

Gang membership in large cities is declining but may be increasing in small towns. A student high-school teacher in Silver City, New Mexico, describes several academic, counseling, disciplinary, and extracurricular programs (including a support group for gang dropouts) to address students' and teachers' school-safety concerns. (MLH)

Describes an academic-enrichment program that targets underrepresented secondary students and strives to increase their competence in science and technology, potential for leadership, allegiance to local communities, and interest in post-secondary careers in the health sciences. Contains 22 references. (WRM)

Investigated patterns of participation in high school extracurricular activities, using data from the National Educational Longitudinal Study of 1998. Students of upper socioeconomic status and higher ability were more likely to participate in extracurricular activities; girls were more likely to participate than boys (except in sports); and…

Presents inexpensive options for both student science fair projects and setting up display boards. (PR)

Identifies key aspects of producing talent shows and outlines helpful hints for avoiding pitfalls and ensuring a smooth production. Presents suggestions concerning publicity, scheduling, and support personnel. Describes types of acts along with special needs and problems specific to each act. Includes a list of resources. (MJP)

Reports the prevalence of school-based after-school programs and discusses extracurricular activities, child care, extended-day programs, enrichment programs, and efforts to make the schools community hubs. Outlines implementation challenges to program expansion: governance, space, program quality, funding, and accountability. (SLD)

Examines undergraduate female students' involvement in an African-American Greek-letter sorority at selected Southeast colleges, and the impact of community service on their general education. Describes seven elements of African society, known as the principles of Nguzo Saba, which provided the conceptual framework for this study. Contains 43…

Reviews recent federal appellate court cases dealing with legal issues involving random drug testing of students participating in extracurricular activities. Draws implications for school business officials and other educators. (PKP)

What do we know about education and diversity, and how do we know it? This two-part question guided the work of the Multicultural Education Consensus Panel, which included the eight scholars named above. The panel's work was sponsored by the Center for Multicultural Education at the University of Washington and the Common Destiny Alliance at the…

This article summarizes findings from a 3-year study of 35 economically disadvantaged, ethnically diverse, academically talented high school students who either achieved or underachieved in their urban high school. In particular, the resilience of these two groups of high ability students is explored. Comparative case study and ethnographic…

The study investigated the motivational effects of computer technology on writing instruction and performance of 5th-grade students. The participants (students and instructors) were engaged in preparatory sessions to take the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) test. Questionnaires on instructor observations and attitudes toward…