Proposes an examination of the motives in having biochemistry students perform practical laboratory exercises. Suggests that a typical course should be viewed as a progression of skills development culminating in a final year, open-ended research project that demands that the skills be used competently and efficiently. (DDR)

The present period of social transition has stimulated debate among South African social workers concerning divergence and subsequent lack of unity within the profession. This article highlights the interrelationship and the complexities of forging professional unity among social workers in South Africa. (FC)

The sociocultural problems of Turkish children living in Germany are explored. Turkish immigrant children in Germany must be socialized in two societies, the traditional Turkish culture of their parents and that of German society. Religion and the Islamic-value system are often at odds with German values. (SLD)

Recent research demonstrates that intelligence is much more complex than can be measured by standardized tests. External sociocultural factors influence the development of intelligence, and a distinction should be made between potential for learning and actual learning. (SK)

Explores the teaching of four elementary teachers as they incorporated a model of culturally relevant teaching into their mathematics instruction. Examines how teachers sought to: (1) foster critical mathematical thinking and critical consciousness; (2) build on informal mathematical and cultural knowledge; and (3) utilize empowerment orientations…

Discusses the views and attitudes of Southern California African American and Latino high school students regarding community colleges. Discusses the following issues in detail: (1) cultural capital; (2) the use if community college to enhance cultural capital; and (3) the role of habits in students' relationship to and the use of community…

Discusses how the interviewee first became interested in the application of sociocultural theory to second language acquisition, and what he sees as the appeal of such theory to studies of second language discourse. Discusses current research efforts regarding second language acquisition and describes an experimental language learning classroom.…

Discusses mathematics education research in relation to equity and current U.S. reforms. Mathematics education reforms have been shaped by good intentions and existing research, neither of which offers adequate guidance to address the complexities of equity in mathematics classrooms today. (Author/MM)

Presents a relational perspective in which cultural diversity is viewed as a relationship between people's participation in the practices of different communities. Suggests that the gatekeeping role that mathematics plays in students' access to educational and economic opportunities includes difficulties that students experience in reconciling…

Using phenomenology and portraiture as a framework, the awareness and integration of multiple sociocultural identities, such as race, class, and gender were investigated in the experiences of five Black students at a predominantly White college. This article focuses on the particular finding concerning the role of faith and spirituality in this…

The sociocultural constructs of race, class, and gender combined with disability create a powerful influence on education and work for adults with disabilities. The emergence of disability studies, rights, and culture challenges adult educators to consider the sociocultural implications of disability. (Contains 34 references.) (SK)

A male teacher working with female nursing students reflects on the following issues: (1) extent to which his presence reflects sociocultural dynamics; (2) the complexity of gender dynamics and the need for openness to multiple perspectives; (3) ethical challenges of implementing an empowerment approach; and (4) the search for alternatives to…

Investigated the influences of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and ethnic peer group composition on awareness and internalization of socially sanctioned standards of appearance using the Sociocultural Attitudes towards Adolescence Questionnaire. Findings for 208 adolescent females highlight the importance of multiple ecological factors in…

Argues that psychological constructs prevalent during the 1950s and early 1960s encountered serious challenges when they were applied to African-American children. Specifies the way in which these challenges influenced the direction of developmental theory and research. (RJC)

A rationale and methodology for teaching about the spiritual and religious aspects of human behavior in social work curricula is presented. An approach derived from the field of comparative religious studies is described, and its implications for the personal and professional preparation of the social work educator are discussed. (MSE)