Within the United States there are minority groups whose beliefs, values, and customs differ from most citizens. Individuals living in Mennonite and Hutterite communities are members of such minority groups. The unique qualities of Mennonite and Hutterite communities present an opportunity for students to see U.S. society from a different vantage.…

The Yeshiva of Flatbush, a high school located in the Midwood-Flatbush section of Brooklyn, New York, teaches both secular and Judaic studies with an emphasis upon transmitting the values and traditions of Halachic Judaism. The philosophy of the school is to provide an education in which Jewish studies are taught in Hebrew and to encourage student…

Student activities that focus on the different cultures and the history of the Middle East from Biblical times to the present are suggested. These include debates, art projects, slide shows, maps, and research problems. (IS)

Proposes guidelines for acknowledging the role of religion in U.S. society, while not causing discomfort for any students. Suggests that studying about religious holidays in the public schools helps to broaden students understanding of different cultures. (DB)

Examines questions that continue to be raised by court decisions concerning the Equal Access Act of 1984 regarding the use of school facilities by religious and political groups. Offers some suggestions for school boards and administrators including the need for careful and explicit policies and rules. (MLF)

Reports on a study of 102 Israeli males, ages 22-30, on the relationship between religiosity and the obligation work norm. Finds that the level of obligation to work was significantly higher in the religious group than in the nonreligious group. (CFR)

Argues that because the cultural composition of the United States is changing, teachers must become better educated in the cultures of the children they teach. Attempts to better prepare educators to deal with children from Buddhist backgrounds. (DB)

Maintains that a common component of geography courses is to show how a globe is an accurate representation of the earth whereas flat maps give a distorted view. Presents a case study and lesson plan in which the Muslim practice of praying while facing Mecca is used to illustrate this idea. (CFR)

A study evaluated the ability of older adults to accurately perceive and retain Spanish in their short-term memory. Specifically, the study investigated differences in native language (English) auditory perception, short-term native language auditory memory capacity, monolingual age differences in auditory perception ability in an unknown…

The wide variety of religious practices in Africa can be bewildering to outsiders. Although most of the world's religions have been introduced to Africa, this handbook focuses upon three categories of religious belief: traditional African religions, Christianity, and Islam. The book is arranged in three parts. Part 1, "Background…

A lesson plan, divided into five learning activities, explores certain fundamental beliefs and practices associated with Shintoism, the ancient religion of the Japanese. It is designed for integration into a course on world cultures or global studies. The unit is organized to allow high school students an opportunity to observe the variety of ways…

Describes a recent increase in religious reference activity in public libraries and its impact on reference services and collection development. The need for open attitudes on the part of the librarian and the importance of understanding the patron's perspective are emphasized. Material selection aids and resource materials are reviewed. (CLB)

Provides six library media activities designed for use in connection with specific curriculum units in art, science, and social studies. The activities focus on appreciating Georgia O'Keefe, sound travel, rock identification, Thanksgiving customs, state road maps, and world religions. The descriptions include objectives, grade levels,…

Civil libertarians and members of more conservative special interest groups have equally legitimate concerns for the educational needs of students attending public schools. The goals and desires of concerned citizens from both sides can be met if neither makes unreasonable demands upon each other. (MD)

Discusses the increasingly multicultural nature of California's population. Questions whether multiculturalism can be incorporated into Christian education. Provides a checklist of multicultural religious education programs divided into knowledge, skill, and attitude components. (CFR)