There is an ongoing debate about the omission of specific learners in modern learning theories. Most learning theories are derived from theoretical works by the dominant culture. This paper argues that despite the criticisms and shortcomings of Knowles' andragogical theory, the instructor can alter the framework as needed to meet the varying needs…

The purpose of this project was to initiate a program of research to explore how instructional designers around the world use design to make a social difference locally and globally. The central research question was, "Are there social and political purposes for design that are culturally based?" A growing body of research is concerned…

In an attempt to understand differences and commonalities in international feminism, a typology is presented and discussed. The study deals with feminist theory in the Federal Republic of Germany, France, Britain, the Netherlands, and the United States. The typology is based on the concept of difference. Two groups are used in the classification…

Teachers often view basic writers as manifestations of three different problems: problems with usage forms, problems with discourse forms, and problems with thought. The first type consists of problems of standard versus nonstandard English usage, and is concerned with error. Others see basic writers' problems as ones of discourse forms and…

A linguistic "false friend" is a word which is spelled or pronounced the same way in two or more languages or dialects of a single language, yet which has a unique meaning in each different language. Similarly, cultural "false friends" occur when people from different cultures think they have concepts and mores in common, yet…

A descriptive field study was conducted in Seoul, Korea, to assess Korean interpersonal communication. The data for the study were collected through observations of interpersonal communication patterns among students in university classes, between faculty and students as well as among various faculty members, among business people, and between the…

A sociological study investigating the relationship between perception of crowding and social status was conducted in a rural camping setting. Results indicate that higher social status groups and groups aspiring to higher social status are more likely to perceive crowding than are lower status groups, but more research is suggested prior to the…

This study investigated whether the child behaviors and personality traits parents talk about frequently are also highly valued. The purpose of the study was to adapt Triandis' methodology (Triandis, Bontempo, Leung, & Hui, 1990) of assessing the importance of values across cultures to the assessment of the importance of personality…

Attention to teaching and developing spirituality in interpersonal communication is timely. Today's technology usurps the "human" in human being. Humankind is displaced by computers, e-mail, and various websites which substitute for the "person" in interpersonal communication. This technology, combined with the emergence of…

To develop and implement diversity initiatives in the university community requires the effective implementation of initiatives in many areas. Diversity leaders should be cognizant of institutional values and attitudes and the vision espoused by the university's president. The diversity leader should inform the university community about…

This paper reviews the book "The Bell Curve" by Harvard psychologist Richard J. Herrnstein and political scientist Charles Alan Murray. The paper asserts as the book's main points and implications: (1) one's socioeconomic place in life is now determined by IQ rather than family wealth and influence; (2) ruling white elites, who have…

The purpose of this study was to examine Anglo-American and Mexican-American parents' attitudes about infant socialization. Occupational status of fathers was used to identify participants' social class, and mothers and fathers were interviewed in English or Spanish 9 weeks after the birth of their first child. Attitudes were examined regarding…

This document comprises four papers which were presented at the Advanced Professional Development Symposium on the Educational System of Korea. The papers discuss various topics on the education of Koreans both at home and in the United States including employment for U.S.-Trained Koreans in Korea, and linguistic, cultural and educational…

Exploring diversity instills in children an awareness and respect for themselves and others. Research projects that address stereotyping, race relations, and prejudice within ourselves can be developed through collaboration between the librarian and classroom teacher (who may themselves be of different cultures). These research projects help…

This paper explores the presence of "groupism" in Japan; that is, the phenomenon that youth in Japan are seen in groups and very seldom alone. The text focuses on "groupism" and what that means for schooling practices in both Japan and the United States. Cultural comparisons between the two countries examine the typical…