In response to several major curriculum reforms in Hong Kong since 2000, schools were required to initiate policies that catered for learner diversity. As well academic achievement, the reforms also emphasized the affective and social outcomes of the learning experience. A whole-school approach to learner diversity includes students with low…

In a context of steadily increasing global migration, ethnic and linguistic diversity in Irish schools is becoming both more prevalent and more visible. In Ireland, schools have been availing of Department of Education and Science (DES) funding since 1999 in order to provide English-language support for bilingual students. The support provided in…

This paper explores ways in which pedagogy for an elaborated form of transformative learning can be a useful catalyst for the development of social capital in community and workplace groups and networks. I begin with an example and then explore ideas of learning challenges embedded in building and maintaining social capital. I consider the…

Background Context: In most immigrant-receiving societies, an important question, both for researchers and policy makers, has been the weighing of the relative efficiency of different formulas in the learning of the host language by immigrant students, especially the potential impact of specific services on social integration and the role of…

This article reviews some key findings from the National Foundation for Education Research (NFER) in two major research areas: strategies to address pupil disaffection, and arts education, focusing on overlap and commonality in reported effects and also effective practice. Its central question is whether, how and why arts education might make a…

This study explores an English as a Second Language (ESL) Introduction to Psychology Learning Community (ESL-IPLC) as an approach to retaining ESL students in a community college. Retention is a problem in all higher education settings, but is especially important for community colleges because of their "open door" policy. Community colleges…

Federal and state policies have long sought to address the social inequities faced by limited English proficient (LEP) students through the improvement of English language acquisition. English language acquisition policy has focused on access to resources, qualified teachers, and instructional methodologies (e.g. pedagogy) that create a learning…

This paper reports the results of a study which has been carried out for the first time in Cyprus, with the aim of exploring the views of deaf and hard-of-hearing (D/HH) children (who attend secondary general schools, and use an auditory/oral approach), as well as the perceptions of their parents, teachers and head teachers on their academic and…

Uses a quasi-experimental design in a case study outlining the application of specific techniques to implement a service-learning component in an introductory sociology college course. Reports that results supported the study's claims that service learning may be an efficient method of improving efficacy of these courses. (Author/KDR)

This article offers seven guidelines for best practices in integrating youngsters who are blind or visually impaired with their age-appropriate peers. Guidelines are based on the literature on early childhood special education and education of children with visual impairments. (Author/DB)

Discusses using photographs as a teaching method for sociology students. States that photographs have often been considered an art related subject rather than a sociology medium. Focuses on C. Wright Mills's use of Depression era photographs, a teaching method referred to as 'Mills's Imagination.' (KDR)

This article proposes a conceptual framework for connecting family and consumer sciences (FCS) programs to the culturally diverse communities of children, youth, and families served. The framework consists of components for achieving culturally inclusive organizations and culturally proactive programs that will lead to more positive outcomes for…

This paper considers the work of philosopher Maxine Greene as it pertains to the democratic project in education, with a particular focus on the Irish educational context. The author considers the extent to which specific aspects of the educational concerns raised by Greene, with respect to the realisation of the democratic project in the context…

Presents a set of five questions to be considered in the preliminary planning of a community-based learning (CBL) project. Discusses each question and outlines advantages and disadvantages of decisions, focusing on competing interests of students, instructors, and partner organizations. (Author/KDR)

Discusses the use of critical thinking and critical observation methods as applied to teaching sociology courses. Discusses how students are taught to evaluate situations holistically. States that critical observation is the ability to identify assumptions and stereotypes interpreted by behavior. Provides an assessment of an exercise model that…