Analyzes literacy campaigns in developing countries since early postcolonial efforts. Sees the Experimental World Literacy Programme as a turning point, reflecting lessons learned from past failures. Identifies features of successful campaigns, including political will, resource mobilization, timing, decentralized implementation, realistic…

Examined whether differences exist in how variables of age, socioeconomic status, gender, family cohesion, parental aspirations, cultural participation, achievement explain career maturity attitudes for adolescents with and without hearing impairments. Results from 70 high school students with impaired hearing and 318 with normal hearing suggest…

Discussion of implementation of computer-based educational innovations highlights a case study of undergraduate music theory students who had the option of using computer-assisted instruction. Barriers to successful implementation are described, including instructor attitudes, instructional style, curriculum planning, lack of peer support, program…

A comparison was made of ability and achievement test results and school grades for 323 pairs of Swedish male and female twins and 740 controls in relation to social background. An interaction effect of sex and social background was found for verbal ability and mathematics test results. (SLD)

Argues that textbooks legitimate selective forms of knowledge underlying supposedly democratic reforms heavily influenced by conservative economic/political forces and eclipsing the historical experiences and cultural expression of the less powerful. Views textbooks as part of social construction of reality. Calls for politicized, multiple…

Employs panel-data techniques, using data from the national norming of the Test of Economic Literacy, to measure instructor characteristics in effective teaching of high school economics. Measures the effect of prior training on economics instruction and school district characteristics. Suggests teachers as a key link in the educational process…

An analysis of the use of a survey on a state-level conservation tillage program was conducted to assess the effects of personal influences. Personal factors influenced timeliness, user's desire for and ownership of information, interaction among decision makers and the evaluator, methodological appropriateness and quality, and use planning. (TJH)

Argues that nuclear weapons are affecting the environment through their production, testing, transport, and storage. Warns that the effect on the world's ecosystem could be irreversible. Provides data and maps on testing, deployment, and future possible effects, such as a nuclear winter. Discusses the challenge to future generations. (NL)

Two studies involving 63 second through fourth graders and 43 ninth graders investigated the influence of gender, race, and friendship on social comparison choices. Implications of the results for social comparison theory and social policy and education practice are discussed. (TJH)

Eleven learning-handicapped students, ages 8-13, generated text at microcomputers both alone and as members of dyads. Examination of mechanical errors revealed a lower error rate in the dyad condition compared to working alone. The relationship between error monitoring and the social interaction needed for collaboration is discussed. (Author/JDD)

Described is an interdisciplinary science course for non-science majors taught by faculty from five different departments. Discussed is the make-up of the course, its relative strengths and weaknesses, and possibilities for further adaptation. Topics covered include the nature of science, health care, the aging process, and environmental issues.…

Presents a lesson for secondary school students that uses an area value map to increase student understanding about the geography of international drug production and consumption. Provides a list of necessary classroom materials, suggested background readings for students, procedures to be followed, and a bibliography of references. (DB)

Discusses how teachers can involve parents in reading development by convincing them that they are at the center of their children's educational world. (MG)

Good teaching will help people learn to speak and listen in the community of truth, to understand that truth is not in the conclusions so much as the process of conversation itself. Fear of public conflict is a major barrier to creating spaces where the community of truth can be practiced. (MLW)

Discusses the ethnic-related differences in mental hospitalization admittance rates, diagnoses, and length of treatment. Explores reasons other than ethnic origin that may account for these differences, including socioeconomic standing, access to alternative services, bias in practitioners' assignment of diagnostic labels, and differential stigma…