In this commentary, we build on Xinying Yin and Gayle Buck's discussion by exploring the cultural practices which are integral to formative assessment, when it is viewed as a sociocultural practice. First we discuss the role of assessment and in particular oral and written formative assessments in both western and Samoan cultures, building on the…

Gender justice includes three basic dimensions: gender equality, respect for difference, and free choice. In reality, schools construct and reproduce the gender injustice of the social culture through multiple dimensions that include the visible and the invisible curriculum, and the teacher's behaviour. In terms of gender justice, the social…

This autobiographical essay of a Chinese transgender who has grown up in a special social background involves the Chinese family, religion, and some social background to demonstrate the current situation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender groups, especially the condition of female-to-male transgender.

The retention or abolition of national college entrance examination (CEE) has triggered a fierce controversy in academe. Although controversial causes and focus vary from time to time, the result remains the same--adopting uniform national examinations and making it innovative all the time. Since CEE has political, social and educational…

"Globalization" is a term that, over the past twenty years, has been very frequently used yet remains vague and changeable with respect to the phenomena it refers to and what specifically it connotes. Discussions encouraging globalization have quickly sprung up, spreading the use of terms such as "postindustrial society,"…

Discusses the reception of John Dewey's ideas in China when he visited that country during the early 1920s. Dewey's specific references to grassroots political development and pragmatic education were well received because they were in harmony with certain basic Chinese values. Dewey's liberalism was rejected because it was not. (RM)

Analyzes the evolution of Chinese national examinations with the "catastrophe" model. Goals, content, form, and process of exams were influenced by social and political forces. Competence over 4,000 years of Chinese history was defined as military prowess, Confucian-style scholarship, Western-style military expertise, proletarian…

Examines the problems affecting evaluation of distance education in developing countries in terms of economic, political, and social issues. Discusses one solution, a meta-analysis for synthesizing the results of research studies. (JOW)

While construction of early childhood education curricula requires the use of educational and developmental theories, significant differences between the two domains exist. Whereas educational theories are particularistic and maximalist, developmental theories are universalist and minimalist. Developmental theory views change in individuals as…

Changes and development in Chinese television (CCTV) over the past 28 years have had profound effects on Chinese society. National News, which has the biggest television audience, has enabled the populace to know what is happening in China. Educational programming is given high priority through special telecourses presented for society in general,…

This is an essay about research methodology, particularly the use of narrative method, in a project which depicts portraits of 10 influential educators of China. The essay begins with reflections on the dialogue of civilizations and the potential future influence of Chinese civilization in the global community. It then goes on to consider the…

The difficulties faced by Americans, coming from an individual-oriented society, in dealing with the group-oriented Chinese are discussed. Issues of reciprocity, prestige, stability and harmony are considered. (26 references) LB)

Uses classroom anecdotes to illustrate how social forces limit literacy as a tool enabling students to think for themselves. Defines literacy as involving knowledge, learning, and culture. Appeals to teachers to enhance learners' inventive and analytical skills by putting them in touch with their own intelligence and intuition. (TES)

This is a narrative inquiry of my cross-cultural identity as a teacher in three countries: China, Canada, and the United States of America. Taking an individual approach to cultural studies, I inquired the Chinese-Canadian life experiences of myself and my former student--a Chinese-Canadian woman immigrant. Beyond our similar ethnic and gender…

Holds that, in Canada, educational achievement inequalities are erroneously attributed to language disadvantage rather that to the power implications imposed on languages by social-psychological relationships. Examines several countries' experiences with bilingual education, and stresses that children should master their native language before…