This digest identifies cultural values that may affect the learning processes of Hispanic-American students, reviews research on the learning styles of Hispanic-American students, and discusses the implications of this research for counseling and teaching Hispanic youth. One cultural value that is of paramount importance in most Hispanic cultures…

Arguing that schools need to prepare all children to become competent citizens and to create an environment that fosters mutual understanding, this Digest discusses multicultural children's literature in the elementary classroom. It discusses the importance of multicultural children's literature and presents guidelines for selecting multicultural…

This first chapter in "Elementary School Counseling in a Changing World" offers elementary school counselors help in understanding cultural bias and provides practical strategies to promote child development in a multicultural society. Four journal articles are included in this chapter. "Ten Frequent Assumptions of Cultural Bias in…

This seventh chapter in "Elementary School Counseling in a Changing World" discusses theoretical and practical issues related to career development and offers suggestions to help elementary school counselors promote students' career exploration. Four journal articles are included. "Major Trends in Career Development Theory and Practice" by Norman…

Cooperation among students in classroom problem-solving activities is briefly discussed in terms of Piaget and cooperative problem-solving, guidelines for teachers, and the teacher's role. While research results are not unambiguous, teachers can encourage children to interact and share their perspectives during cooperative play by: (1) planning…

This digest discusses the inclusion of "sustainability" concept in environmental education. Topics included are: (1) definiton of sustainability; (2) inclusion of the concept in the curriculum using interdisciplinary approaches; and (3) a list of instructional materials containing the concept at the elementary, secondary, and college…

Economics education in elementary and secondary schools is essential in order to prepare a responsible citizenry that can cope with economic problems and issues. This ERIC Digest examines: (1) the primary goal of economics education; (2) current economics curriculum patterns; and (3) methods of improving the economics curriculum. The basic…

The principal focus of this brief report is on findings and observations from relatively recent research on the learning of mathematics. The distinction between learning and the concepts of curriculum and instruction is first reviewed. Then Piaget's theory of intellectual development is discussed, with the conclusion that it does not provide a…

Family mathematics programs, based on family literacy programs, successfully teach math skills to both children and their parents. This digest describes specific strategies for teaching family mathematics. Schools can use these strategies as part of an overall program or as ad hoc family learning activities. In family math programs, program…

Cites the benefits of publishing student writing. Defines informal and formal publication. Discusses how students consider the audience. Offers further information on publishing student writing. (PRA)

Difficulties faced by homeless children include depression, low self-esteem, lack of sleep and nutrition, and feelings of shame and embarrassment. Challenges faced by schools in providing education to homeless children include: (1) keeping children in one school despite frequent family moves; (2) ensuring that children's health records are…

Although there are many content-rich resource sites for elementary and middle school students on the World Wide Web, finding such sites can often be difficult. This ERIC Digest describes K-8 curriculum related Web sites that will be of interest to students, teachers, parents, and librarians. The following types of sites are listed: collections of…

This sixth chapter in "Elementary School Counseling in a Changing World" contains four journal articles which focus on technological advances. The articles help elementary school counselors explore their own feelings about technology and learn how technology may be used as a counseling tool. "Role of the Counselor with Computers" by Garry Walz…

This ninth chapter in "Elementary School Counseling in a Changing World" contains four journal articles on ways that counselors can work to change children's misbehavior and foster productive behavior. "Changing Student Attitudes and Behavior Through Group Counseling" by Robert Myrick and R. Wiley Dixon presents results of a study showing that…

This Digest lists some of the common mistakes made by young readers and suggests teaching strategies that may be useful to teachers who are preparing their classes to take standardized tests. Children must learn to use the text to pick the answer, rather than relying on memory, especially when the story is a familiar one. Teachers can help…