This study investigated differences in predisposing factors, enabling factors, reinforcing factors, and smoking behavior among middle school students in rural, urban, and suburban areas of Shanghai (China). Surveys in 11 schools indicated that students' smoking behavior was affected strongly by enabling factors and reinforcing factors related to…

Notes the challenges posed by cultural diversity in the United States. Presents a demographic assessment of factors relating to the schooling of culturally diverse populations, analysis of challenges associated with the growing number of language-minority students who are Hispanic, and conceptual and empirical perspectives precipitating a more…

Describes how conflict resolution exploring cultural value differences in a high school English-as-a-Second Language curriculum helped teachers and students handle increasing diversity and tensions while reinforcing English language skills. Student surveys, journals, and evaluations indicated that the method helped increase intercultural…

A year-long ethnographic study of a British multiethnic primary school examined the influence of teacher perception of Pakistani parent involvement and interest in their children's education on teacher expectation of the children's language and literacy achievement. Findings showed that teachers misinterpreted cultural differences in parents'…

This collection of articles discusses such topics as why the SAT is a poor predictor of black college student graduation rates; the sudden nationwide decline in black faculty; the power of higher education to close the black-white income gap; Internet access to case files of slaves who sued for their freedom; the racial shortfall in counselors for…

Using data from a 1987 survey of 1,460 schoolchildren, their parents and teachers, in urban and rural areas of Changchun, China, examines academic and personality outcomes in only children. Finds results similar to Western surveys: only children are more likely to be academically talented. Reveals, however, Chinese rural only children do not score…

Social and personal concomitants of exceptional academic capability in the context of various educational settings were studied, using 143 fifth-, 118 eighth-, and 93 tenth-grade gifted students. Results provide insights into the students' peer relations, social competence, academic self-concept, and attitudes toward school. (TJH)

Discusses French colonial rule of Cameroon between World War I and World War II and the establishment of schools specifically for the sons of Cameroon chieftains. Asserts that, like all French education, these schools were elitist. Contends that the French failure to understand African culture doomed these schools to failure. (CFR)

Postulates a wide dichotomy between the levels of accurate sexual information among teenagers. Asserts that even by age 15-16, some young people lack the essential information to avoid unwanted pregnancy. Suggests a possible separation between boys and girls to address different gender needs. Includes five tables of statistical data. (MJP)

Maintains that efforts aimed at the development of a European dimension to the general education curriculum offered in individual nations' schooling have increased in recent years. Asserts that the immediate goal is to provide young people with opportunities beyond their national borders. (CFR)

Challenges the prevailing Western approach to education by asserting that several Asian nations have and are developing a distinctive approach to human resource development. Describes characteristics of this approach and contrasts it to the Western model. (CFR)

Describes a social studies cultural exchange program between a public school and a Canadian native school in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Outlines how the students became mutual inquirers into one another's cultures. Explores the activities and reports on the interactions among students, teachers, and parents. (CFR)

Examines the relationships of individual difference variables to end-of-training proficiency ratings in speaking and reading for a large sample of adults in intensive training in a wide range of languages at the U.S. Department of State. Variables included tested cognitive aptitude, learning strategies, learning styles, personality, motivation and…

Discusses the assumption that linguistic heterogeneity reflects social heterogeneity. The article examines a challenge to this assumption evident in the Gaelic-speaking communities of East Sutherland, Scotland, with homogeneous populations showing well-established patterns of language variation that do not correlate with socioeconomic status. (38…

Asserts that technology can be used in many ways to develop communication, understanding, and an appreciation of differences among children. Describes the use of electronic mail and interactive videodisks to teach about culture and cultural differences. Reviews commercial products on these topics. (CFR)