Relates observations of the Japanese educational system by a U.S. high school history teacher. Finds the Japanese system impressive but argues that such a centralized and authoritarian system would not work in the United States. Educators should learn from Japanese schools, not copy them. Recommends U.S. educators seek agreement on educational…

Examines structural marginality on two levels, substantial and functional. Argues that fundamental organizational framework of economic and political institutions determines the relationship between substantial and functional marginality. Explores the ambiguity involved when dominant society defines and controls marginal groups and individuals.…

French television commercials and news programs can be used effectively in the language classroom to explore the representation of groups and cultural patterns. (MSE)

This conference paper discusses seven trends with implications for pharmacy: changing demographics (to a more elderly population), setting limits (health care costs), wellness and health promotion, organizational and structural changes in the health care industry, driving diseases (mental health, heart disease, AIDS), driving discoveries, and…

The author describes a participatory research project that took place in a garment workers' co-operative. The project's purpose was to record the history and working relationships of the co-operative in an attempt to help similar ventures. Problems of participatory research are considered. (CH)

Presents a lesson in which students are asked to analyze a preindustrial New England town according to its social and economic characteristics. Students are then asked to make hypotheses about how the town might have changed socially and economically with industrialization. Gives instructions for implementation. (KO)

Describes early childhood education in Taiwan, focusing on living patterns and child care arrangements, the position of the individual within the family and community, and the application of cultural norms to early childhood education. Compares the behavior of Chinese preschool children to that of American preschool children. (RJC)

Factors affecting the survival or decline of French in Zaire are examined, including its social, cultural, and political status, the history of other European languages established in Africa, and the influences of intercultural needs and ethnic identity on the continued use of French. (Author/MSE)

Analysis of 100 AIDS death obituaries indicates imageries reflect much about American society, such as attitudes toward homosexuality, attitudes toward AIDS, and understanding of linkages between sexual practices and AIDS. Analysis suggests construction of AIDS obituaries may be manifestations of sociopolitical structure and a consequence of bias…

A trained research assistant used a structured observation form to observe hospital attending rounds, measuring the use of population perspective (risk-factor assessment, prevention, epidemiology, social aspects of illness) during internal medicine case presentations. Results indicated this perspective was raised more frequently when a generalist…

In a survey, teacher education coordinators (217 respondents) recognized the importance of studying the sociocultural, environmental, political, economic, and ethical aspects of technology. However, there are significant gaps between this recognition and the way student teachers are being prepared. The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher…

Describes the transformation of research on cognition and culture from cross-cultural comparisons of psychological tasks to theory and research on people's thinking in sociocultural activities. Recent developments in sociocultural theories and research over the past three decades are summarized, and theoretical and research commonalities that are…

Learning situated in authentic settings such as the workplace can provide peer and expert models and a physical environment that enhance problem solving and transfer of learning. In such settings, learners can access the social and cultural aspects of vocational skills. (SK)

Describes the development of the French Minitel videotex system and reports results of a survey of Internet users regarding the use of Minitel. Telecommunications and government involvement are discussed; business, political, cultural, and sociological perspectives are considered; Minitel use in libraries is reviewed; and expansion in the United…

Employed women are in a quandary between two ethics, equity and care, in relation to the household division of labor. Uses the frameworks of both Benhabib and Gilligan to explain the moral rationales that women use to prioritize the ethic of care and to articulate the ethical dilemmas of employed women. (LKS)