This collection of abstracts is part of a continuing series providing information on recent doctoral dissertations. The 11 titles deal with the following topics: (1) the relation between classroom communication and teacher personality; (2) a survey of speech programs in Texas community colleges; (3) improving student responses by training teachers…

Many American educational materials present biased or inaccurate views of Africa. Although these problems are found in a range of media, this study examines printed matter only. A representative sampling of materials indicates that four approaches are generally used in a study of Africa: geographical, historical, cultural, and case study. An…

This report summarizes an informal survey to determine how extensively inter-ethnic materials are being used in suburban school districts in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area. Data was obtained from responses to a questionnaire distributed to some 100 teachers and administrators from 20 districts enrolled in two courses, fall 1968. In no school or…

Discusses teaching and learning English as a foreign language in its cultural context, and the culture of the native speaker of English and its relation to the culture of the learner. Native-speaking teachers should recognize the international status of English and work from local varieties of the language. (Author/LMO)

Presents an overview of the increase in incidents involving censorship in all areas of the United States. (NKA)

This ready-reference school management tool is a practical guide that provides an answer to the questions "Where do I start?" and "Where do I look for direction?" Written in an easy-to-read, bulleted format, the handbook is an excellent resource for all principals, assistant principals, and aspiring school administrators. With words of wisdom from…

This book takes readers into the lives of urban and suburban adolescents for a close-up look at how they navigate the conflicting discourses and disciplinary practices of American cultural crosscurrents that flow through economic, kinship, religious, and political domains of American life. The book is distinctive in how it combines classic…

Reflecting recent policy and standards initiatives, emerging research agendas, and key innovations, this volume provides a contemporary overview of important developments and issues that have that have in recent years shaped elementary science education pre-service courses and professional development, and practices that are shaping future…

Building equity into Australia's vocational education and training (VET) system is a key component of the National Strategy for Vocational Education and Training 2004-2010. This book of readings aims to contribute to this important facet of the national strategic plan. The book reviews the achievements equity groups have made, reports on the…

Papers from a conference on the teaching of grammar, particularly in second language instruction, include: "Grammar: Acquisition and Use" (Richard Johnstone); "Grammar and Communication" (Brian Page); "Linguistic Progression and Increasing Independence" (Bernardette Holmes); "La grammaire? C'est du bricolage!" ("Grammar? That's Hardware!") (Barry…

Asserts the need for new undergraduate culture studies textbooks that maintain broad historical scope and shed the Western humanistic model. Proposes a "postmodern textbook" less concerned with covering canonical facts than with issues to be discussed and situations to be analyzed. (21 citations) (VWC)

Reports on a content analysis of all pictures of music-related figures appearing in grades six, seven, and eight music textbooks published in 1988. Finds females underrepresented and stereotypes common. Calls for more research on equity in curriculum materials and gender-related issues in music education. (CFR)

Students around the globe have unique first-year experiences but struggle with many of the same challenges. This monograph focuses on their journeys and provides insights for educators interested in learning about how institutions across the globe provide supports to students dealing with first-year transition issues. Based on the successful…

This textbook introduces teachers to the world of social studies teaching and learning in elementary and middle schools. The book is divided into three parts. Part 1, "Orientation to Social Studies Education," consists of sections (1) "Social Studies Education: What and Why?" and (2) "The Children We Teach." Part 2, "The Social Studies…

To weigh the negative effects of "primerese" against its supposedly improved readability, a study compared the reading of controlled basal stories with that of the same stories minimally rewritten into more natural language. Participants were 64 white, lower middle class first grade students selected from five classrooms (all with basal…