Investigated the impact of multicultural approaches to preschool education on cultural identity development. Play activity of white British and ethnic minority preschool boys and girls were observed. Found that the impact of multicultural materials was small, but that ethnic minority children encountered difficulties with peer relationships,…

To shift educational research's focus from the rigorous study of individuals to whole learning environments, a systemic view of the classroom is proposed, with a list of seven generic components of the classroom environment. L. Guttman's Small Space Analysis is used, and a science teaching project illustrates the discussion. (SLD)

Questionnaire responses from kindergarten teachers and their principals indicated that teachers did not believe in emphasizing academics but did believe in the use of child-centered activities and the value of motor, art, and physical activities in early childhood education. (BC)

This article addresses the educational challenge posed by special needs students who are Chinese, one of the largest ethnic groups in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia (Canada). The issues of self-esteem, assessment and placement, and "double handicap" are discussed. Chinese cultural characteristics are described, and suggestions…

Discusses results of a study based on a sample of secondary school teachers in Germany that was conducted to analyze the relationships between prior knowledge of content- and context-area topics and teaching practices in the computer education curriculum. The use of path analysis is described, and gender differences are examined. (Contains 11…

Offers the perspective of a university professor who taught a third-grade class while on a year-long leave. Discusses how the teacher immersed students in print, provided students with regular demonstrations of how print is used, and offered frequent opportunities for students to read. Offers insights on diversity in the classroom and inclusive…

Explores the implications of schema theory and research from cognitive psychology for improving social studies education. Identifies some specific techniques for improving instruction. Suggests conceptualizing differences between children of different ages according to their cognitive processes and structures. Describes some anticipated…

Contends that music educators have not identified how the multicultural education movement will affect the music curriculum. Argues that two positions can be identified: (1) cultural pluralism; and (2) cultural particularism. Discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each position and provides examples of how each might be exemplified through…

Explores the themes of diversity and choice as they relate to the teaching of English at all levels. Contrasts the open-mindedness of English teachers with nationalist and traditionalist agents in government. Describes a conflict over Key Stage 3 testing in Great Britain as exemplifying this clash. (HB)

Reviews literature related to learning styles and gender differences. Determines that abstract and reflection are associated traditionally with mind or masculine, whereas concrete experience and active experimentation are associated with the body or female. Calls for additional experiential activities to provide a more gender-balanced approach to…

The WISE Group is a group of women who have been exploring feminism and relationships among teaching, research, and activist goals. The Call to Action illustrates the different arguments about science teaching and learning, one from a more traditional perspective and another from a feminist perspective. The primary goal of activism is to challenge…

Aims to identify communication difficulties that arise when Eastern and Western cultures meet in the context of language teaching and learning. With particular focus on China, this article attempts to make explicit some underlying assumptions held by teachers and to contrast these with the expectations of Chinese students. Cultural perspectives…

Examines the pervasive messages of gender stereotypes and their influence on instructional design, schooling, and society. Topics discussed include: society and gender-role construction; gender stereotypes; culture, groups, and schooling; images of males and females; and increasing equity through good instructional design. Contains 41 references.…

A study of a group of South Korean secondary-school English teachers' perceived difficulties in adopting communicative language teaching reveals that the difficulties have their source in the differences between the underlying educational theories of South Korea and those of Western countries. (Author/VWL)

Differentiated instruction is an umbrella concept that allows teachers to pull together many disparate messages about multicultural education, alternative teaching and learning strategies, alternative assessments, learning styles, and standards. Developing a range of instructional strategies represents a fine tuning, not a new instrument. (MLH)