Presents findings from this condensation of major studies of the differences among U.S., Chinese, and Japanese education. Explanations for the superior performance of Chinese and Japanese students are explored in the areas of home and parents, effort and ability, organization of schooling, and teachers and teaching. (SLD)

Examines evaluation in a situated learning context. Topics discussed include a model for evaluation in a computer learning environment; portfolios, including written, electronic, and video formats; summary statistics; diagnosis; reflection and self-assessment; story construction or scenario design; learners as designers of instruction; and…

Compares experiences of 73 African-American and 73 white undergraduates (30 males and 116 females) on a large predominantly white university campus, controlling for past academic achievement. African Americans' experiences reflect aspects of their personal backgrounds that differ from those of whites more than they reflect academic background…

Researches student perceptions among Afro-Caribbeans, and Africans enrolled in Initial Teacher Education (ITE) departments in Great Britain. Students discover their courses fail to address racism issues; perceive the selection processes are discriminatory; and find racist attitudes among lecturers. (NL)

This article develops a framework for assessing how differential incentive policies affect teacher commitment and identifies key workplace conditions contributing to commitment. The framework is used to assess effects of such differential incentive policies as merit pay and career ladders. Increasing participation, collaboration, and feedback is…

Data from the 1988 National Education Longitudinal Study were analyzed to identify variables related to five types of student behavior: misbehavior, violent behavior, substance abuse, preparedness for class, and classroom behavior. Results indicated that variables not under school control and certain school practices and policies significantly…

Reports on a study of 323 Nigerian secondary students to determine what relationship exists between preferred and actual classroom environments and their approaches to learning science. Finds that Nigerian students prefer more teacher control, a less competitive atmosphere, and less emphasis on student friendships. (CFR)

Reviews the "Curriculum Guidelines for Multicultural Education," revised and published by the National Council for the Social Studies in 1992. Finds that the guidelines emphasize the total school environment and do not depend on the social studies curriculum alone to teach about cultural diversity. Contends that Canadian educators and…

Reviews developments in the educational systems of the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe since the end of the Cold War. Contends that nationalism and religion have had an important impact on education. Asserts that former beliefs and structures of the old system will continue to influence education for many years. (CFR)

Reports on a study of 640 Russian secondary students and 140 teachers on their attitudes about schools and schooling. Finds that both students and teachers agree that the primary goal of education should be to transmit the culture and prepare people for decision making. Also finds that forced participation in extracurricular programs caused…

Campus events of recent years teach that we need to reaffirm ideas of decency, charity, and respect rather than academically fashionable notions of diversity advocated without regard for the rights and feelings of others. Speech and behavior codes are enforcing a hierarchy of campus groups that favors the politically left. (SLD)

Discussion of peer-based collaborative learning focuses on two related studies: a micro-structure comparative analysis of students' psycho-social behaviors in computer-based collaborative learning experiments conducted in face-to-face and distributed learning environments; and an examination of cognitive effects of peer-based collaborative…

Describes steps followed by Western Carolina University's College of Business (North Carolina) in changing a traditional on-campus graduate program to a distance-learning environment: evaluating current mission, customer needs, and program to determine goals; forming a cross-disciplinary team; developing a program structure, including…

Introduces a model of educational technology that uses a clockwork radio as a metaphor for low- and high-tech strategies that can be applied to development and technology transfer in education in South Africa. Highlights landmark developments and principal features of three components of the post-apartheid education system--curriculum, resources,…

Acknowledges that children with special needs flourish and benefit from early-childhood environments that empower learning. Discusses center learning, which allows children to be actively engaged in self-directed learning based on strength, ability, and interest. Suggests that center learning can enhance aspects related to emergent literacy…