It is widely assumed that ultimate attainment in adult second language (L2) learners often differs quite radically from ultimate attainment in child L2 learners. This article addresses the question of whether learners at different ages also show qualitative differences in the process of L2 acquisition. Longitudinal production data from two…

This article describes a project called "Kids Speaking Up for Kids: Advocacy by Children, for Children". The project was simple in scope. The authors sought to collect stories of child advocacy--ways in which children were working on behalf of other children. They also sought to collect and profile children's voices and vision and so…

In this paper, the authors draw on Bronfenbrenner's theory of human development in order to examine western influences upon Russian education. They argue that while some have embraced western ideas about education and schooling, reflecting both the influence of specific educational theorizing and that of broader globalizing trends, many teachers…

Provides an interview with Russian Academy of Education Academician Vladimir Shadrikov, the first deputy minister. Focuses on topics such as the differentiation of education, the theory of developmental instruction, and the formulation of a state educational standard for the basic schools. (CMK)

Examines the influence of the contradictory interaction of the teacher's actual self (personality and behavior), reflected self (anticipated assessment of others), creative self (contains what the individual may reveal in the future), and empirical self (everyday self-awareness) on the dynamics of professional development. The sample contains 135…

Focuses on the development of Russian civic education. Provides a confirmation of the development of civic awareness of the younger generation in Russia. States that a significant factor in the transition to the attainment of civic self-sufficiency is the educational process. (CMK)

Characterizes the telling and learning of political jokes as a powerful socializing tool for children to learn about the world. Maintains that this activity serves as a means of storing and transmitting social knowledge as well as information about the world of public affairs. Includes some representative examples. (MJP)

Believes that special attention should be paid to the problems of ecological upbringing of Russian children. Views ecological upbringing as a continuing and systematic process throughout the school years in which children interact with the natural environment. Focuses on the need to shape elementary children's awareness of ecological concerns.…

Presents a study that focused on the patterns of development of ethnic self-awareness in college students of Udmurt and Russian nationality. The first stage explores the structure of ethnic self-awareness under differing levels of development, while the second stage studies the patterns of change in ethnic self-awareness under conditions of…

In this article, the author examines the effects of "pedagogical Chernobyl" in Belarus schools, which stem from the Soviet model, that carry the same defects and shortcomings as the schools of Russia, and the deterioration of the state of health of their children and adolescents. Furthermore, he evaluates the sizes of schoolbooks, in the…

During this period of social and political transformation in the former Soviet Union, there is no typical Russian school. Open-type schools generally emphasize student self-development. Students' intellectual, personal, and spiritual upbringing depends on a school's socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental context. Teaching practices must be…

Presents the findings from a Russian survey that investigated directions for corrective-upbringing work with preschool age children who have deficiencies in mental development. Explains that the degree and amount of corrective work depends on the severity of the impairment. Focuses on different components of corrective-upbringing, such as the…

Discusses humanization in contemporary Russian education where it is seen as a key factor influencing social change. Analyzes past educational development and suggests that present trends owe more than may be expected to the past. Argues that the present discussion in Russia focuses too much on individualism and ignores processes of mediation.…

Reports on a study of the comparative philosophies and practices of secondary teachers in schools in New York State and near Moscow, Russia. Finds that teachers have two value orientations: (1) toward the school culture; and (2) toward each person's individual values and ways of thinking. (CFR)

Reports on the reading interests of 450 Russian secondary school graduates enrolled in a mathematics and physics-oriented technical school in Moscow. Finds that students' interests changed during two periods in recent Russian history: (1) 1988-1990--the perestroika period; and (2) 1991-1992--the "market" period. (CFR)