This digest discusses the contextual factors that affect students' learning of a second language. These individual, social, and societal factors can be considered from the perspective of the language, the learner, and the learning process. These perspectives are discussed as they relate to learning any second language, with a particular focus on…

Some researchers have asserted that the poor outcomes from American Indian schools result from the lack of cultural fit between teachers and students. Data gathered from 258 American Indian faculty at U.S. colleges and tribal departments of education indicate that 65 institutions of higher education produced 1,347 new American Indian teachers…

Limited information is available regarding the factors that promote persistence by women in engineering programs. Stated simply, the problem is that the number of women engineers continues to fall short in comparison to the gender ratio of women to men in the population in the U.S. (BEST, 2002) and worldwide (Hersh, 2000). More women engineers are…

This study examines the relative utility and predictive validity of the SAT I and SAT II for various subgroups in both California and the nation. The effect of eliminating the SAT I on the test impact and on the over- and under-prediction of various gender and racial/ethnic subgroups is examined. Two statistical adjustments and tables are appended.

This study had the purpose of comparing the effects of two approaches in teaching mathematics to secondary special education students. The study attempted to answer the following questions: (1) Were there significant differences between group means of mathematics achievement test scores for students in a diagnostic-prescriptive mathematics program…

Presents an annotated bibliography of 62 British entries on girls and science/mathematics. Arranged alphabetically by author/institution, annotations are detailed to avoid having to locate each reference itself. Topics include, among others, sex differences, sex bias in textbooks, and achievement. (JN)

Since independence in 1947, India's educational goals have included expansion, improved quality, and equal opportunity. The author analyzes India's successes and failures in reaching these goals in the context of its limited economic resources, the traditional educational values of its people, and its traditionally stratified social system. (SJL)

A five-year longitudinal investigation was undertaken to identify factors influencing secondary school students in their choice of sixth-form courses and possible careers. The influence of intelligence, personality, aspirations, and family were studied. (Author/BW)

Archaeology provided knowledge of cultural background, understanding of scientific processes, and a common interest for Whites and Cree Indians in a teacher education program in Oxford House, Manitoba. As such, archaeology is a partial solution to providing a success-oriented education system for American Indians. (SB)

Describes a kindergarten activity of dissecting owl pellets as a vehicle for promoting new partnerships and friendships. Argues that pairing children for activities based on gender, varying ethnicities, and differing abilities allows children to break down barriers and gives them experiences with children other than their best friends. (SD)

An annual national survey of college freshmen (n=251,232) indicates that more students are selecting colleges for financial reasons. More also expect to go to graduate school, adding pressure to find well-paying jobs. Students are reporting higher high school grades but showing less interest in undergraduate course content. Women take on more…

Argues that the Spanish educational system does not discriminate between men and women in access to administrative positions, and that women in Spain are neither interested in nor motivated to seek positions in educational administration because they do not identify with the traditional hierarchical model of administration. Organizational reforms…

Describes a college sociology course on the relationship of language and ethnicity, whose topics include intergroup communication and miscommunication; representation of ethnicity in cultural texts; and the role of ethnicity in socialization, values, religion, and social institutions. Development of the course, choice of instructional materials,…

Examined feelings of 132 late adolescents entering college toward their mothers, fathers, and closest siblings. Findings from questionnaires included that emotional support of mothers and siblings is more important to women, that discussion of feelings and activities with these family members occurs more often with women, and that men feel more…

Discusses the difficulties Indian students have with civics and government classes. The tribal value system of reciprocal respect and loyalty is often antithetical to many political concepts such as confrontational politics and special interest groups. This, in turn, leads to a distrust of the idea of self-government. (MJP)