The notion of critical linguistics is examined, and it is argued that the diverse objectives usually given for Language Awareness programs appear to be given desocializing weightings in actual materials. Ways that Critical Language Awareness can be incorporated into a family history writing project are described. (20 references) (Author/LB)

In this sociolinguistic study of the language patterns of 10 young mother-tongue Panjabi-speaking children, the children are educated in England and first exposed to English at about age 3, resulting in sequential acquisition of bilingualism. Clear patterns of language choice are reported. (33 references) (Author/LB)

This paper reports on a survey from economics departments (n=57) in the United Kingdom which found the major course objectives to be liberal education, training for graduate school, and vocational training. The discussion examines links between functions of economics degrees as seen by educators, course structures, and entry qualifications…

This study applied 2 U.S. instruments to assess 11 Indian graduate students' evaluations of teaching effectiveness. Results indicated high internal consistency, and the measures' items were seen as appropriate. Analysis suggested more overlap between teaching skill and enthusiasm than evident in Western studies. (Author/DB)

Questionnaires returned by 105 faculty at Drake University (Iowa) indicated that student traits and competencies most valued by faculty were (1) personal development, (2) research activities, (3) conscientiousness, (4) self-confidence, (5) student activities and community service, (6) oral communication skills, and (7) questioning. Results have…

This article examines strategies to foster and evaluate research and scholarship in Hong Kong's higher education sector. It addresses the definition of performance indicators, the role of governmental policy initiatives, performance indicators in the academic research context, possible research indicators, application of indicators, and other…

Examined the effects of activity period duration on preschoolers' play with playdough and blocks. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests showed significantly more constructive and dramatic play, and less functional play, at the end of the play period. Differences between the quality of play in block and playdough centers were found. (Author/BB)

Confirms the hypothesis that elementary school science students recall science concepts for which they generate their own examples and definitions better than science concepts for which they do not generate their own examples and definitions. (BB)

Studied the possibility that children's decisions regarding naughtiness and types of punishment differ according to age and sex. Subjects were interviewed after hearing two stories from Piaget's study of children's moral reasoning. Significant age variability was found. Findings imply that children did not make the connection between the act and…

Assesses the ability of elementary school teachers to identify at-risk students using three prominent indicators. Summarizes the reasons teachers give for identifying a student as at risk. Concludes that teachers are moderately accurate estimators of students' likelihood of being academically at risk. (Author/BB)

Reviews the research comparing the social and behavioral characteristics of only children and children with siblings in China. Results are mixed, and many of the studies are seen as having methodological flaws. (BB)

Investigated the effects of three types of block, housekeeping, and changing thematic play centers on young children's language production. Although results indicated that language production and vocabulary varied according to the type of center, children produced more oral language and used more diverse vocabulary in the block center. (Author/BB)

Claims that the cooperation and collaboration necessary for an environmentally literate society must also be practiced in organizational structures. Provides an example of the Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario annual general meeting where an initial "power at the front" format changed to a meeting in a circle that fostered collaboration. (KS)

Describes numerous benefits of ropes courses including (1) increasing self-esteem; (2) promoting physical fitness; and (3) fostering group cooperation. Traces the history of ropes courses. Emphasizes safety through construction standards for ropes courses outlined in "Safety Practices in Adventure Programming" by Priest and Dixon. (KS)

Surveyed people at two outdoor supply stores in Toronto to investigate the relationship between wilderness experience and ethical commitment to the environment. Found that high levels of wilderness activity strongly correlates with a deep ethical commitment to the environment. Claims that affective feelings for nature are critical in the…