Differences in cognitive structure are approached through consideration of cartesian and non-cartesian knowing. Figuration and configuration are described as two layers of cartesian knowing leading to the third layer, the cognitive structure. Knowing in general is then discussed, with comments on learning in another culture, Botswana. (MNS)

Proposes a system of achievement testing for all U.S. students rather than just those who are college bound. Criticizes present achievement testing as a patchwork system that fails to provide parents with information about how much their children are learning in comparison to others. Provides a sampling of national achievement test questions from…

Designed for elementary and secondary school social studies educators, this examination of the beliefs, values, customs, and philosophies of diverse groups of Mennonites living in the United States focuses specifically on major differences between and among the Holdeman Mennonites, the Hutterites, the General Conference Mennonites, the Mennonite…

It has been suggested that the learning of a second language is not only a practical matter, as is commonly emphasized in discussion about language teaching, but is equally an experience of cultural initiation, particularly through the appreciation of literary texts in that language. The first part of this paper reviews educators' ideas about…

The renaming of literature appreciation as cultural studies marks a rethinking of what is experienced as cultural materials, going beyond reading and writing to media, popular culture, newspapers, advertising, textbooks, and advice manuals. It also marks the movement away from the study of an object to the study of criticism. (MSE)

This article proposes that a college curriculum acceptable to both multiculturalists and those who promote the Western tradition above others could offer mostly Western texts and histories in most courses while mandating some immersion in a clearly non-Western culture, on the grounds that we must study Western culture not because it is best but…

Postcolonial African, Indian, and West Indian literature, written in varieties of English that reflect individual cultures, is a rich source of material for teaching about diversity in college courses. Careful selection of texts and attention to their placement in the course are important to their successful use. (MSE)

Reports on the Council of Europe's joint European-American seminar that deals with teaching about the United States in secondary schools in Western Europe. (MD)

Exploring ways in which a successful worldwide civic culture can be achieved, this book stresses the need to stay rooted in local communities and traditions while cooperating with and respecting those whose lives follow other patterns. The first part of the book deals with the current state of worldwide civic culture, setting a context within…

Folktales as reflections of a culture provide many kinds of information for social studies that are unmatched in the elementary school. However, teachers must be alert to the potential of folktales to present unintended or erroneous information. (RM)

Describes one teacher's experience teaching English in Japan, and the effect of this experience on his current teaching style in an American high school. Notes that he now injects Japanese culture into class discussion and frequently compares and contrasts English literature, language and cultural history with that of Japanese. (JG)

This is the fourth in a series of occasional papers that analyze the changes taking place in U.S. undergraduate education. This essay examines two streams of reform on the campus and in the curriculum--internationalization and diversification--and suggests that these separate movements must come together in a new paradigm of higher education in…

Introduction of materials designed to heighten the cultural awareness of students intending to work in international business is a more difficult task than introducing cultural material to language students, due to lack of appropriate texts and methods and the limited international awareness of students. The importance of cultural understanding to…

Nine essays serving as springboards to the study of historical events and cultures focus on the use of memorabilia and primary resources for teaching social studies. Following a short preface by John I. Thomas, Linda Carrillo examines ways in which folk songs can be used to arouse a child's interest in the study of other cultures. In "Using…

Argues that the need for black studies is as great as ever; that all students, especially whites, need to study the black experience; and that several persistent social realities underpin this need. Suggests a combination of actual, vicarious, and simulated experiences to comprise a black studies program for whites. (DMM)