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…

Discusses the 13 papers in this special issue on American Indian and Alaska Native language education and literacy, the object of which is to critically examine the relationship of pedagogical change to larger sociopolitical and cultural processes affecting native language, bilingual, and bicultural programs. (three references) (MDM)

Discusses specific teaching strategies to nurture creativity in young children that guide choice, highlight human potential, and distinguish those activities that help children from those that are more impulsive and less developmental. Suggests that teachers need to encourage a love of work, concentration, self-discipline, and sociability. (MDM)

Discusses the inequalities and hidden curriculum of public education and the role that the Montessori approach can play in revolutionizing educational assumptions, values, and conventions as it expands in the public sector. Suggests that Montessori models for self-discipline, meaningful work, choice, respect, and holistic psychology provide a…

Inquired 69 students' beliefs about registering for high school chemistry. The information was used to develop a questionnaire and persuasive messages. Among 598 target students, chemistry enrollment was higher than expected for those receiving in-class student-only materials and lower than expected for those receiving student/parent take-home…

Perceptions of 55 parents, 30 children, and their teachers concerning black supplementary schools in the United Kingdom indicate that most believe that these supplementary schools, a response to racism, provide a better education than state-run schools, even though supplementary schools are part-time. Supplementary school development is discussed.…

Explores perceptions, feelings, and beliefs of American Indian youth about their lives as students in public high schools, using a sample of 35 male and 30 female American Indian students in a medium-sized city. In general, students seem to respond as high school students, rather than as American Indians. (SLD)

Explores the concept of culture as a factor in the well-being of children. Holding students accountable for their behavior, holding schools accountable for activities and achievements of students, and inducing parents to support their children in school require a cultural change in how we look at schooling. (SLD)

Studies reasons undereducated adults decide not to participate in adult education with 12 female and 8 male (18 African American and 2 white) adults interviewed in Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania). Memories of early schooling were a powerful factor affecting the decision. Adult education methodology can benefit greatly from research into early schooling.…

Assesses a counseling and holistic educational program designed to enhance democratic values among junior high school students in northern Israel. Results obtained from 600 students in 20 classrooms show an increase in democratic values revealed by attitudes toward school life, an enhanced democratic classroom climate, and a decrease in positive…

A classics faculty member and dean summarizes the opinions of six Union College (New York) undergraduates concerning the value of studying the humanities, and where this study should fit into a liberal arts education at an undergraduate college. Discusses pressures on the liberal arts college scholar-teacher and examines trends in humanities…

Documents the social and educational aspirations of a growing number of Russian youth. While the children of the former Soviet intelligentsia continue to view education as a prerequisite for success, many young people are willing to leave school for early work experience. Summarizes several surveys concerning social attitudes. (MJP)

Among the Chaggas on Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), "too much schooling" is believed to drive students, particularly girls, to the brink of madness. Fieldwork investigated culturally embedded attitudes toward education and the social development of young men and women, focusing on maintenance of family relations, single-sex isolation in…

This paper provides a transcript of a videotaped roundtable discussion on recognition for learning in adult literacy programs in Canada. Participants discussed the need to provide credentials for learners who have acquired various "chunks" of learning. Recognition was thought to be a motivator for adults even if they did not need the…

This paper examines changes in values and practices that are emerging in Mexican higher education, reviewing recent trends and policy dilemmas affecting colleges and universities in Mexico. It argues that the educational reforms carried out in the early 1990s indicate the movement away from a social welfare model of higher education, built around…