Describes the significance of life histories, or autobiographies, in teacher education and professional development. Reports on the case study of a British teacher who realized that his educational philosophy was rooted in childhood experiences divided between formal schooling and a natural world of real learning. (CFR)

A high school English teacher describes personal experiences in "untracking" instruction and offers insights into techniques and considerations for making untracked instruction effective. Issues addressed include attendance and missed work, deadlines, classroom communication, assignments, student choice in reading materials, and student…

Discusses the First Global Classroom Youth Conference, 1993, that was organized to involve students in the design and analysis of global educational computer networks. Guidelines were suggested in three areas: (1) language and cultural issues; (2) curricular and academic issues, including the credibility of online resources; and (3) technical and…

Drawing from a study of exemplary community college programs, offers recommendations for increasing support for at-risk students through preenrollment activities, orientation programs, elimination of late registration, basic skills assessment, improved financial aid, expanded mentoring programs, and increased problem solving and literacy…

A survey of 2,216 low-SES Mexican American students in grades 4-6 investigated family, social, and psychological risk factors related to substance abuse. Use of major and minor substances was related to respondent score on an index of 11 risk factors. Relationship between major substance use and risk index was significantly greater for females…

Assesses a range of recent atrocities and apparently resultant problems experienced by children in areas of Namibia, Mozambique, and South Africa. Includes data from the literature and personal impressions from visits and extended periods of stay. Recommends expansion of birth control programs and awareness. (RAH)

Describes the liberal-progressive roots of social studies education. Reports on a review of professional literature since the 1950s and argues that calls for school reform in the 1950s and 1980s were grounded in conservative thinking. (CFR)

Disputes the commonly-held view that the Puritans of colonial New England were adamant opponents of alcohol consumption. Maintains that the tavern gradually became a central social institution, where food, drink, conversation, and entertainment ameliorated the stresses of daily living. (CFR)

Examined attitudes of teachers in religiously integrated schools in Northern Ireland with regard to their motivation for teaching in an integrated school, comparisons between their teaching experiences in integrated and nonintegrated schools, and how teaching in an integrated school may affect their future career prospects. (LP)

Reviews programs and policies developed for college students from diverse cultural backgrounds, discussing Alaska Native students at one institution. The article examines tensions between university and indigenous student cultures, noting changes and accommodations negotiated to help develop environments to promote student success and maintenance…

Describes a research project designed to evaluate the adoption of process writing by secondary English teachers in Hong Kong. A range of attitudes is identified among the participants. The teachers' profile suggests that they can be assisted in actualizing the necessary conditions for implementing the process approach by provision of suitable…

A discussion of medical education in Germany, particularly since unification of East and West Germany, looks at the number of practicing physicians in Germany and their practice settings, number of medical students, medical school admission policies and curricula, and nature of postgraduate training. Proposed reforms are outlined, and the…

Examined 14 low-income mothers' socialization goals for their preschool children and the role of child-care providers in achieving those goals. Subjects' views of preschool learning were not entirely congruent with a constructivist approach to learning, and were linked to other cultural models of childrearing, including respecting authority,…

Reports on a study of the impact of group work with computers on male and female interaction in two classes of 9 to 10-year-old British students. Addresses concerns that, despite teachers' sensitivity to gender issues, expected benefits of intervention do not occur. Recommends increased emphasis on collaborative group work. (CFR)

Discusses the artistic characteristics of children ages two through six years and the culturally endorsed shift of emphasis from symbolic play to technical mastery during the course of their artistic development. Reviews teaching practices, educational resources, and teacher training in schools in Australia and the People's Republic of China in…