Discusses the differences of perception and interpretation of visual aids between African and Western students and considers the implications for designers and producers of learning materials for African students. (Author/JJD)

Any attempts at cooperation between African and Afro-American Studies centers must be understood within the context of their methodological perspectives and goals which are based on their politicoeconomic values. There is the possibility of practical results from this realization of differences, strengths, and weaknesses. (Author/EB)

A description is given of an in-service course or workshop on the subject of the mathematics developed by the peoples of Africa and other cultures in the course of their daily lives. (MP)

The viability of African cultural traditions and their role in modernization and nation-building in Africa are examined. Social and political organization and formal education are discussed in relation to the process of modernization. Although Africa may utilize Western models of development, Westernization and modernization are not synonymous.…

Investigates creativity in the conformist indigenous Sudanese culture, a complex interaction of African, Arab, and Islamic sociocultural factors. The problems of using Western tests to measure creativity and the effects of modernization in fostering or hindering creativity are discussed. The form and the scope available for creative expression in…

In the context of the works of African writers Chinua Achebe and Ngugi Wa Thiong'o, the complexity and controversy surrounding the adoption of English in African literary texts is discussed. The appreciation of English as a means of international communication is reconciled with the desire to preserve the languages and cultural identities of the…

Describes the Igbo tradition of "Mbari," a communal creative enterprise that celebrates the world and the life lived in it through art. Contrasts the cooperative, social dimension of pre-colonial African culture with the exclusion and denial of European colonialism, and sees new African literature again celebrating human presence and…

Describes an initiative to incorporate folktales and legends from francophone West Africa into a college-level advanced French literary and cultural studies course. Students recorded their reactions to various texts taken from France and West Africa in reading journals. Analysis of the journals shows that critical competencies in Western culture…

Six articles in this feature section emphasize the value of African dance in all levels of education. The articles address aspects of African dance ranging from its historical and philosophical underpinnings to applications from the elementary to the college level. (SM)

For many years, the dominant image of Africa seen on Western films was that of condescension and paternalism. The history of films about Africa, with some exceptions to the prevailing portrayals, is traced; and the origin and growth of the African film industry are reviewed. (SLD)

Identifies the common characteristics of population education in African countries, including a focus on safeguarding cultural traditions. Suggests that improving the condition of women should be at the heart of population education because of their role in promoting family health and environmental protection and in the education of their…

Discusses use of the term "African-American" in the context of relationships among country of origin, identification with that country, and the American experience. Finds no association between name identification and current Black social movements. Suggests that the issue should not overshadow continued effort to gain economic stability…

States that a way to promote the development of African-American youth into adults is to develop positive rites of passages that are based on African heritage. Describes the origin, meaning, and significance of Africentric rites of passage, and argues that these will provide youth with a strong connection to their past and guide them confidently…

Responds to a critique of an earlier article that reviews the multiple perspectives of African-American child-rearing experts and their implications for counseling. A starting point for understanding and appreciating the contributions of African-American child-rearing scholars is the recognition that one parenting perspective cannot address the…

Discusses the importance for teachers to question personal paradigms by changing their beliefs about teaching practices. Explains that instead of having second-grade students use bright colors to create African masks, students can develop their shading skills instead. Provides instructions for a lesson where students use pencil shading when…