Four primary classrooms, three bilingual and one monolingual, were studied. Final observations showed that "language climate" and the extent to which the two languages developed were influenced by the teacher's style, the organization of the school day, and by the ethnic balance of the class and the neighborhood. (SJL)

Addresses some of the practicalities in doing a senior paper on sexual geographies (gay neighborhoods, heterosexual clubs, women's work areas), from choosing a topic to selecting a relevant methodological framework. Considers ethical issues inherent in the independent research including confidentiality and objectivity. Briefly reviews recent…

A year-long ethnographic investigation examined how stakeholders in an Appalachian Kentucky high school addressed educational problems that they had targeted for reform while resisting state priorities and policies mandated in the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA). Contrasts KERA objectives with cultural themes prominent in this poor…

Reports a series of ethnographic studies of student behavior concerning examinations, conducted in a Canadian university since the mid-1980s. Describes techniques of data gathering and the link between methodology and theory. Examines implications for higher education, including dealing with students' exam-related stress, factors influencing…

Explores whether there are unique approaches to early literacy among children reared in a rural Appalachian culture. Describes the reading/writing development of two children--both developed unique styles and approaches to literacy, stemming from home and cultural influences, and a supportive, constructivist, whole language classroom. (PA)

This ethnographic study examined the introduction of school uniforms in the public schools of one California city. Findings indicated that the uniform issue intersected with issues such as student safety and violence, family stress, egalitarianism, competitive dressing, and a power struggle over shaping the childhood environment. It was concluded…

Investigates the ways that backlash pedagogy, a centerpiece of educational reform, accepts substantial inequality as a neutral baseline for educational practice and reform and, simultaneously, enshrines the status quo. The analysis draws on several theoretical lenses (cultural-historical activity theory, critical race theory, and ethnographic…

Analyzes children's responses to formal and informal curricula dealing with aspects of human diversity in two mainstreamed, multicultural day care centers. (FMW)

Discusses three ethnographic studies of electronic media and technological literacy among urban immigrant and multicultural individuals, analyzing electronic media consumption according to preferred forms and genres, social functions, maintenance of cultural identity, and education and information functions. Recommendations for adult basic…

This study describes the contrasting cultural norms of academic writing and academic writing instruction at a large American university, comparing these differing viewpoints in order to identify difficulties that non-native-speaking undergraduates might experience in proceeding from English as a Second Language (ESL) to freshmen composition…

Reports on the case of a university student studying English as a Second Language who disliked the informal writing of dialogue journals. Implications from the case suggest the need for researchers and practitioners to consider students' perspectives when employing nontraditional writing assignments. (53 references) (Author/CK)

Maintains that within the qualitative paradigm there are related approaches with distinct disciplinary and intellectual traditions. Examines three genres: (1) educational connoisseurship and criticism; (2) ethnography; and (3) action research. Asserts that understanding the assumptions, methods, and contributions of these genres can expand art…

Examines home and church learning of indigenous Ethiopians, the Amara Welloye, and the richness of this indigenous education as a foundation in building an effective educational system for present-day Africans. Indigenous learning is vital to transmission of values that Africans consider essential in understanding and experiencing life's fullness.…

Describes backgrounds, educational philosophies, and the relationship between the 2 for 18 exemplary African-American teachers in 2 ethnographic studies emphasizing effects of differences in background. Teachers' knowledge of community norms and the position of the community within the larger society explains much of their success with students.…

Analysis of data on a conflict between the Joshua Gap (California) school district and local parents over the district's decision to utilize a multiculturally oriented textbook series suggests that contrasting images of the local and larger U.S. community, and contrasting views about the role of schooling, contributed to the conflict. (IAH)