Reviews recent research in multilingualism in Southern Africa, focusing on the role of languages in education, sociolinguistics, and language policy. Much of the research is on South Africa. Topics discussed include language of instruction in schools, teacher education, higher education, adult literacy, language contact, gender and linguistic…

This study examined the cross-ethnic equivalence of several measures commonly used to tap contextual correlates (i.e., parental symptomatology, family relations, peer relations) of serious emotional disturbance in children. Subjects were 117 juvenile offenders with diagnosed substance abuse or dependence disorders and considerable psychiatric…

Applies Item Response Theory methods to data from the national norming of the Test of Economic Literacy to identify test questions with large male-female differences. Regression analysis showed a significant decrease in the magnitude of gender difference, although a difference was still present. (MJP)

Studied factors associated with sexual intercourse and substance use among young, low income, African-American adolescents. Found that sexual activity was associated with parental conflict and having sexually active friends. Boys reported less parental monitoring and family and community support than girls and were more likely to report sexual…

Asserts that the study and performance of religious music within an educational context is a vital and appropriate part of a comprehensive music education. Discusses various guidelines to determine if the inclusion of religious music is educational and and neutral. Briefly reviews the legal considerations. (MJP)

Discusses a case study approach to internationalizing an undergraduate interdisciplinary sociology course that explores the sources and consequences of inequality. Presents three case studies from Baltimore (Maryland), Japan, and Zimbabwe, each one detailing social and economic causes of inequality. Briefly covers class assignments and a…

Academic risk taking--the selection of schoollike tasks ranging in difficulty and probability of success--was examined for 602 students in grades 4, 6, and 8 in Taiwan. Results of a self-report measure of tolerance for failure and a risk-taking task are discussed concerning self-enhancement versus self-assessment goals, metacognitive skills, and…

To explore question-answering strategy differences between young "good" and older "poor" readers, 60 fifth and sixth grade good readers and 60 ninth and tenth grade poor readers responded to questions about passages read and reinspected. Strategies used were inferred through analysis of response errors. Implications for reading…

Describes study that investigated the effects of instructional control and gender pairing arrangements on learner achievement, attitudes, and interaction during an interactive video elementary school science lesson. Cooperative learning strategies are discussed, results of statistical analyses are reported, and implications for instructional…

Item responses of 2,380 mathematically talented junior high school students (1,437 males and 943 females) were studied to determine gender differences, using the mathematical sections of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT-M). Girls excelled on miscellaneous items and data sufficiency items but performed less well on algebra items than boys. (SLD)

The reliance of 12, 18, and 22 children in grades 2, 4, and 6, respectively, on context- versus word-based information was studied. Factor analysis of error scores yielded a structure reflecting 3 information sources: graphophonic information; context to identify words; and comprehension monitoring. Age differences in decoding strategies were…

A review of European research on the relationship between higher education and employment addresses a variety of issues, including changing employment opportunities and patterns for graduates, "appropriate" employment and educational relevance, and employer expectations and recruitment criteria. (MSE)

Educators can better meet the educational needs of Asian American students through greater awareness and understanding of their cultural heritage. Teachers and counselors can best serve these students through specific strategies, such as directive rather than group counseling, that reflect sensitivity to cultural differences and that will foster…

Examines the relationship between culture and children's fears by analyzing responses of Navajo and Anglo third-grade students to items from the Louisville Fear Survey for Children. Findings indicate a correlation between cultural background and levels of fear. (FMW)

Contends that, although the history of the American west has always illustrated cultural diversity, the significant role of women has not received sufficient attention. Discusses the role of women, including American Indian women, in the European conquest and settlement of the western areas of the United States. (CFR)