Considers biodiversity a controversial issue in the education of students 11-18 years of age in schools, particularly as it relates to science education. Features a study of teachers' attitudes and approaches to biodiversity in the United Kingdom which was undertaken using participatory appraisal methods with focus groups of teachers. (Author/SAH)

Discusses findings of a cross-cultural study of the relation between self-perception of academic competence and achievement, and attribution of achievement to effort or ability. Considers problems in fitting Anglo-American motivation theory with Russian schooling practice. Calls for culturally sensitive, multimethod approaches in which individual…

A historical overview of the development of the British middle school system is presented in this paper, with a focus on the impact of the national curriculum established by the Education Reform Act of 1988. Based on field observation, information is presented on curriculum, the role of head teachers and faculty, parental involvement, and student…