A variety of ecological, economic, and social changes are now reshaping rural America. The deterioration of the economic structures and perceived quality of social life in large metropolitan centers of the United States has stimulated the dispersal of population and economic resources throughout rural America. During the last decade almost three…

Using case studies of French-speaking West Africa and Southern Appalachia, this paper examines the role of traditional culture in developing regions by challenging current theories on that subject. The capitalistic and Marxist approaches that dominated well into the 1960s maintained that elimination of traditional social relations and values was…

Eleven articles by policy researchers, cultural experts, and officials from various European governments explore prospects for cultural policy in Europe. Specifically, the document examines international cooperation in cultural activities, problems caused by increased participation in cultural activities, the role of cultural leaders, recreational…

The document provides very thorough guidelines for planning, implementing, and evaluating "character education," (or moral/values education, or citizenship education) in elementary and secondary schools. Character education promotes students' positive and realistic self-image, respect for others, and decision-making skills for participation in…

While pointing out some of the criticism being leveled at the social studies in recent years, this paper suggests a need to reassess the historical development of the social studies as part of the public school curriculum. It argues that such a reassessment is needed to resolve present difficulties and effect future possibilities. The period…

Social studies education is irrelevant to most students and will not be improved by either of the two most frequently suggested solutions: teacher accountability and inservice programs. A better way of improving social studies programs is to reform teacher education. Problems currently facing teacher training include indifference on the part of…

A survey of 300 secondary school English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teachers in Turkey investigated their views on ESL teaching and curriculum, language attitudes, language learning, classroom practices, role perceptions, and views of language teaching as a profession. Demographic data show most were trained in English language teaching in Turkish…

This discussion paper explores interactions among formal learning, informal learning, and life conditions and opportunities experienced by aboriginal people in Canada. The contradictory importance of education for aboriginal people is examined with respect to three related aspects of these relationships. First, the paper summarizes students'…

Examines changes in global culture and values and their impact on families. Identifies five conundrums for families attempting intentional socialization of their children for new global values: (1) stability versus change; (2) universal versus particular family model; (3) intentional versus laissez-faire socialization; (4) safety versus danger;…

Considers the paradox of a liberal, pluralist society supporting (subsidizing) religious schools whose beliefs are more restrictive and judgmental. Argues that recognition of group rights is sanctioned in liberal thought as long as it does not impinge on individual rights. Discusses liberal responses to conflicts between communitarian concepts and…

The author of this article challenges a common assumption made by both critics and defenders of standardized-testing technology (or psychometry), namely that standardized tests "measure" something (culture, ability, etc.). It argues that psychometric practice cannot be classified as a form of measurement and instead is best understood as…

This book chronicles, from the point of view of students who are unwilling participants in the process, the transformation of Stanford University from an institution committed to preserving the values of Western civilization to one intent on engineering social change on campus to promote the dogmas of multiculturalism. The book is an insider's…

Ways in which culture in general and cultural change in particular affect approaches to and attitudes toward learning are examined, drawing on both published evidence and personal experience to support the position that changes in underlying technological and economic conditions create differing cultural behaviors, customs, values, beliefs,…

Graduate students in an English-as-a-Second-Language education program at the University of Maryland were surveyed concerning suggested methods for incorporating languages other than English into the curriculum in a multicultural classroom. Respondents were master's and doctoral students from a variety of language backgrounds. The article details…

The following are included in this collection of essays on patterns of rules of speaking, and sociolinguistics and second language learning and teaching: "How to Tell When Someone Is Saying 'No' Revisited" (Joan Rubin); "Apology: A Speech-Act Set" (Elite Olshtain and Andrew Cohen); "Interpreting and Performing Speech Acts in a Second Language: A…