Examines the methodology of ethnographic studies, suggesting reasons why it may be the design choice for many language, composition, literature, and reading studies. Discusses some of the pitfalls inherent in more intuitive, observational research, suggesting procedures to guard against them. (HOD)

Investigates the role of pupil language in classroom learning through an ethnographic study of one "good" teacher and her class, particularly three average and above-average pupils. (HOD)

Presents evidence that children have their own culture; argues that teachers need to pay close attention to child culture, periodically approaching students as ethnographers approach culturally knowledgeable informants. Examines reasons why teachers may be insensitive to children's culture and explains the benefits of an ethnographic approach. (ET)

Presents ethnographic analyses of two school boards which are characterized by their decision-making processes. One is described as elite (conflict exists between the board and the dominant need of the public), the other as arena (representative segments of the public conflict with one another). (KC)

Discusses assumptions and criticisms of rule-governed approaches to interpersonal communication research and theory. Outlines a definition of rules that does not require sole reliance on interpersonal actors' statements about their behavior or assumptions of communicator self-awareness. Suggests consideration of rules-based concomitants of…

Examines "Logan's Oration" as an example of native American speechmaking and reaffirms this piece of rhetoric as a useful sample of native oratory and a culturally authentic artifact. (JMF)

Describes a process for training ethnographers to participate in classroom field research. Discusses four principal objectives: (1) to facilitate an understanding of the research's conceptual focus; (2) to establish the technique and intellectual orientation for a common ethnographic approach; (3) to instruct ethnographers in ethnographic…

Presents a critical ethnographic analysis of minority culture-based policies and programs on six university campuses in Washington State, examining how their existence contributes to retention and success of minority groups and/or to increased racial and ideological separation. Conclusions are based on interviews with 60 educators involved with…

Using the methods of ethnography of communication, this three-part study investigates time and timing, social elements, and individual information behavior in sense making. Argues that the sense-making concept captures how information behavior creates meaning and that a research focus on information and information-seeking divides people from…

Drawing on ethnographic research on Hmongs, the author illustrates how her assumptions about literacy have been challenged and presents a new view of literacy with emphasis shifted from cognitive consequences to social context: literacy as a means through which relationships are negotiated. Makes suggestions for creating…

Reports on a study with university foreign language students that employed ethnographic interview techniques to promote positive attitudes toward speakers of the language studied, such as, Spanish. Results indicate that the project enhanced student attitudes toward the study of Spanish as well as their understanding of their own culture and the…

Explores verbal strategies involving code-switching (English terms used in Chinese-based interactions) in the speech community of a Taiwanese teacher's college. Code-switching is described in terms of the fulfillment of language functions and is shown to express a linguistic style concerned with communicative appropriateness and social identity.…

Analyzes the policies and practices of school in Japan that serve large numbers of bilingual students. Using the notion of imagined communities, examines the relationship between the schools' visions for their students, their current policies and practices, and the students' identities. (Author/VWL)

Focuses on efforts to improve standards of English among seafarers, including a top-down approach to language learning utilized by industry regulators and training establishments. Considers the effectiveness of top-down approaches to language development, drawing on ethnographic research conducted aboard vessels with multilingual crews.…

Examines the concept of school culture to understand individual schools. Analyzes the terms culture and school culture and compares the concept of school culture to the concept of organizational culture. Argues that organizational culture is a key concept in school development. Assesses the methodology of the organizational culture approach. (CAJ)