Discussion of the problems (other than motivational) encountered by adult language learners focuses on a humanistic approach for the teacher, arguing that better understanding of cultural confusion and dissonance allows the teacher to pair students appropriately, identify sources of student dissatisfaction, and work to overcome inhibitions.…

A trainer in personal development gives advice, in the form of reflective questions, to group facilitators on appropriate language use, interpreting nonverbal communications (body language), and the appropriate use of nonverbal communications. (TD)

This article applies principles of multiculturalism to the provision of speech-language services to children from low income backgrounds - i.e., the culture of poverty. It discusses common characteristics of children from the culture of poverty and urges research that has practical, clinical implications to assist speech-language pathologists who…

Today, 10.6% of children enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade in the U.S. are foreign-born, and 1 in 5 are children of immigrants. Public schools represent the setting where many of the acculturative struggles of immigrant children unfold, having traditionally served as a vehicle of socialization and "assimilation" of immigrants in the U.S.…

The study reported in this paper intended to trace what Chinese children think about life and identify their naive theories. Fifty-eight 5-year-old children in Taiwan from 39 kindergartens were interviewed using a semi-structured instrument. Results indicate that preschool children have preconceptions about the concept of life even before entering…

This report documents the personal views and experiences gained while conducting training courses for caregivers of persons with mental handicap in many countries of Asia. The experiences are presented as an example of what can be done in a situation of limited material resources to improve the lives of people with mental handicap in developing…

Intended for administrators and policymakers as well as teachers, this digest discusses the nature of narratology and how it relates to language arts instruction. The digest first defines narratology as the structuralist study of narrative aimed at understanding how recurrent elements, themes, and patterns yield a set of universals that determine…

The varied roles animals had and currently have in different cultures are discussed in this report. Samples of roles drawn from a catalog of 1000 examples indicated that animals have been used throughout history as food, clothing, pets, heroes, mascots, trademarks, and symbols. Suggestions were stated for using this listing of animal roles in a…

Environmental planning requires more than finding the right technology and a source of funds. Planning involves consideration of the social, cultural, economic, and natural environments in which the project occurs. The challenge is to develop sustainable food systems that have reasonable production but do not degrade the resource base and upset…

A study examined cultural factors affecting the participation of black people in vocational education. Analysis of the way in which black people process information suggests that, unlike white people, blacks tend to view things in their environment in their entirety rather than in isolated parts. Furthermore, they seem to prefer intuitive rather…

The paper examines the cultural and economic aspects of the status and role of women in Australian culture and their affect on mothers of disabled children. Changes which incorporate the feminist perspective are recommended at the policy, regional/local, and individual service delivery levels. (DB)

Provides an overview of France's research and development capabilities and accomplishments. Cites examples of technological advances and explains why France has been successful in aerospace, electronic, and chemical and pharmaceutical research. Also explores the impact of education and culture on innovation attempts. (ML)

Presents a discussion of communication satellites: explains the principles of satellite communication, describes examples of how governments and industries are currently applying communication satellites, analyzes issues confronting satellite communication, links mathematics and science to the study of satellite communication, and applies…

The assumption that higher education has begun a postexpansion decline is challenged, and the accumulation of new demands on higher education is examined from three perspectives: political, socioeconomic, and intellectual/cultural. It is proposed that higher education's role in modern society will intensify and change. (MSE)

Place names alone can provide an illuminating picture of Manitoba's (Canada) history. Discusses settlements of native cultures, the Hudson Bay Company, and various ethnic groups, including the French, English, Mennonites, Icelanders, and Ukrainians. (RM)