Examines the nature of European societies and focuses on territorial and immigrant minorities. Questions the definition of these minority communities and the role of this definition in excluding them, The Other, from the European context. Urges educators to help deconstruct dominance patterns and to broaden the context of multicultural education.…

Considers the contrasts and changing nature of teaching in France, England, and the United States. Reveals that sweeping public policy directives in the early 1960s created radically different educational institutions in England and France. By contrast, the United States has remained fairly constant with its emphasis on local autonomy. (MJP)

Discusses recent developments in the philosophy of social science, most of which reflect or grow out of the dichotomy between the empiricist and positivist schools of thought. Considers and rejects the realist response as being overly concerned with causal correlations to the exclusion of social mechanisms and processes. (MJP)

Considers the broad mix of schools proclaiming themselves "international" and attempts some clarification. Discusses recent literature that classifies schools by educational purpose rather than location. Attempts a definition of terms and calls for further study. (MJP)

Maintains that efforts aimed at the development of a European dimension to the general education curriculum offered in individual nations' schooling have increased in recent years. Asserts that the immediate goal is to provide young people with opportunities beyond their national borders. (CFR)

Discusses ways to promote a European curriculum against two political tendencies: (1) attacks on "Eurocentrism"; and (2) the ongoing educational cooperation among European nations. Provides three as guidelines for future development: (1) critical attitude; (2) curricular pluralism; and (3) free discussion and human rights. (CFR)

Challenges the prevailing Western approach to education by asserting that several Asian nations have and are developing a distinctive approach to human resource development. Describes characteristics of this approach and contrasts it to the Western model. (CFR)

Analyzes interviews with primary school practitioners about the implementation of the English/Welsh National Curriculum. Finds long-term trends are influenced by a conflict between shortage of time and demands of good practices. Discusses changes from child-focused to standard curriculum, from local to standard assessment, and similar issues. (CFR)

Reports on a study of the impact of nursery school/preschool education on primary school readiness and achievement of 1,800 English and Welsh children. Finds significant positive effects in reading, writing, mathematics, and science. Discusses the effects of nursery school versus playgroup experience and the role of socioeconomic status. (CFR)

Highlights issues and controversies concerning current race-related educational research. Contends that some critics believe research sacrifices empirical objectivity for political goals. Partisan research supporters respond that all research begins with untested assumptions and an acknowledgment of purpose does not signify a skewed methodology.…

Identifies the components of the current social trend, "McDonaldization", as efficiency, calculability, predictability, and the substitution of nonhuman technology for human technology (or control). Contends that market forces and mass production have imposed "McDonaldization," on the British educational system. Considers future reactions of…

Illuminates an interesting conflict in British church/state relations regarding education. Although in agreement on social issues, the Conservative government's free market reforms eliminated the protected niche Catholic private schools had enjoyed since 1944. Discusses Catholic lobbying against the reforms and the current status of parochial…

Surveys the reading and viewing habits of British teenagers. Discovers that, although U.S. horror fiction (R. L. Stine, Stephen King) tops the lists, a wide diversity exists among the less popular authors. Reveals marked gender differences in amount of time spent viewing videos, television, and computer games. (MJP)