This contribution documents the author's lived experiences in his fieldwork for his PhD research in the field of English as a second/foreign language in a familiar social setting in Bangladesh. The account suggests that insider researchers can helpfully draw on their tacit knowledge of local social and cultural norms and values to understand their…

Policy has been a much neglected area for research in science education. In their neglect of policy studies, researchers have maintained an ongoing naivete about the politics of science education. In doing so, they often overestimate the implications of their research findings about practice and ignore the interplay between the stakeholders beyond…

A more dynamic conceptualization of gender role is presented, focusing on social psychological ambivalence and developmental alienation. Current research findings are interpreted with regard to these concepts, and directions for future research are discussed. (Author/BL)

We present the results of a literature review of studies on teaching strategies for moral education in secondary schools (1995-2003). The majority of the studies focus on the "what" and "why", i.e. the objectives, of curriculum-oriented moral education. Attention to the instructional formats for enhancing the prosocial and moral development of…

Organizations frequently pursue legitimacy through a variety of substantive and symbolic practices. However, legitimacy is a social judgment that is ultimately accorded the organization by its constituents. Analysis suggests that attempts to increase legitimacy may trigger a series of vicious circles that ultimately decrease legitimacy. (90…

Provides sociological analysis of recent documents on social education in Scotland. Argues that sociological theory underpinning prescriptions for social education takes no account of social inequalities and social conflict in both education and society. Explores contradictions between social education and meritocratic individualism. Discusses…

College faculty live and work in four cultures: that of the academic profession, the discipline, the academy as an organization, and the institution type. Each of these influences how they function in the organization. Colleges should recognize and build on the sometimes conflicting cultures. (Author/MSE)

Argues that the individualism-collectivism dichotomy overlooks values that inherently serve both individual and collective interests, ignores values that foster the goals of collectives other than the ingroup, and promotes the mistaken assumption that individualist and collectivist values form opposing syndromes. Suggests refined value types. (FMW)

This article examines the complexity of the education of values in the People's Republic of China (PRC) since the beginning of the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). It attempts to provide an insight into how the central state has managed the values of music education with respect to the dynamic changes to its political ideology across these four…

This commentary criticizes a paper by E. Zigler and others (EC 231 901) which concerned normalization and social role valorization of mentally retarded individuals. The commentary notes the paper's meager reference to the writings of W. Wolfensberger and its failure to properly analyze the "problem" of normalization as a concern with…

Discusses the role of the national values of efficiency, choice, and equity in the adoption and implementation of the federal education block grant program and the negative effects on school desegregation. Urges policymakers to consider policy goals, and not just policy instruments, when considering future proposals. (FMW)

Examines a shift in American culture away from the Protestant ethic, which emphasizes personal responsibility and effort, towards the "cargo cult," which emphasizes factors beyond individual control such as luck. Discusses the implications for education, which is based on the Protestant ideology. (FMW)

A study of 188 ninth grade American and Mexican boys and girls found significant similarities in their perception of the characteristics of the ideal man and woman. However, boys emphasized physical characteristics more than girls, and many cross-cultural differences are reported. (FMW)

Presents study results determining how individuals' performances in a subject relate to the value that society places on that subject. Explains that the study examined the relationship between each discipline and the cognitive capabilities of each subject. Concludes that failing students use an original conception, whereas successful students use…

Male and female eleventh grade students from 14 schools in Tel Aviv were tested to determine the effect of gender and other factors on values and value judgments. No predominating factor was found, although gender effect could be quantified. (DM)