Studied development of school performance-related belief and their link with actual academic performance in Moscow children and compared this similar data for Western children. Found considerable intercultural convergence as well as specific differences in beliefs about teachers and ability. Differences across gender were also found. (ET)

Analysis of data from national surveys of majority ethnic groups in Romania and Bulgaria examined the effects on tolerance toward minority groups of education, community ethnic composition, urbanism, age, gender, perceived threat to national security from the minority group's homeland, democratic values, and prevailing political ideology. Contains…

Defines the theory of the Afrocentric conception, and comments on Afrocentric research methodology. The Afrocentric conception is likely to succeed if it constructs a particularist theory in contrast to cross-cultural relativism and because it relies on the methodology of the absolute rather than the comparative. (SLD)

Presents observations concerning religion study in 150 Moscow schools. Reports that, although there are still some extracurricular activities promoting traditional former Soviet atheistic ideology, religion is now taught openly. Indicates that religion and atheism also are being studied on a scientific-philosophical basis. Examines how various…

Disputes the version of whole language presented by Michael McKenna et al. in the preceding article. Argues that whole language is an educational paradigm complete with theoretical, philosophical, and political assumptions and a congruent research agenda. Contends that "paradigm blindness" prevents critics from seeing the legitimacy of…

Outlines a model for incorporating critical thinking about politics within a rhetorical schema in writing courses. Provides an outline of four units of study on political semantics, psychological blocks to perceiving bias, models of biased and deceptive rhetoric, and locating and evaluating partisan sources. (SR)

Discusses various approaches to analysis of ethnic unrest in the former Soviet Union. With the collapse of the communist system in 1991, ideology has been replaced by ethnicity as the driving force in politics. The failure of the regime to address ethnic issues doomed it. (SLD)

The background of practice and ideology that led to the national curriculum and national assessment in England and Wales is traced, along with the development of national assessment policy. The breakdown, which has resulted in teachers who refuse to conduct the prescribed testing, is described. (SLD)

Analyzes revisions in Chinese historiographical treatment of world history since 1949, stressing the dominance of Marxist/Maoist ideology, political isolation, and Chinese nationalism. Shows evidence of these influences in high school textbooks. Examines the Cultural Revolution's impact on historiography. Sees current liberalization producing a…

Studied possible relationship of political socialization during youth to the personal values of adulthood. Also studied influence of adult values on one's ideas about socialization of next generation. Of particular interest were societal mandates in China during the 1950s and 1960s. Parental values were found to reflect, in a general way, values…

Analyzes society and social ideals portrayed in 94 elementary-level textbooks in British Columbia. Identifies prominent themes under four headings: technology and consumerism; the personal world of children; what it means to be Canadian; and morality and religion. Concludes that authors encourage conformity rather than transformation of society.…

Stresses the importance of teaching values in U.S. history classes. Reviews current literature on values development. Presents a lesson plan on John Adams and his decision-making role in the Boston Massacre incident. Asks students to examine the parallels between Adams' decision to defend the British soldiers and their own lives. (RW)

Asserts that during periods of rapid social change, the political consciousness of the population also changes dramatically. Reports on a survey of 1,800 students and 1,270 instructors in Russian higher education institutions. Finds that changes in social consciousness are not proceeding along lines of rational interpretation of facts and ideas.…

Considers cultural ideology and the African-American family through a review of responses to the Moynihan Report (1965), "The Negro Family: A Case for National Action." The report's historical and theoretical context is reviewed, citing the matriarchical African-American family structure. The report's framework of ideology and cultural…

Argues that the act of worship can become an act of resistance against the hegemony of a dominant culture. Maintains that congregational life offers the possibility to awaken people's discontent, foster skepticism toward prevailing assumptions, articulate ethical alternatives, and develop readiness for struggle and change. (MJP)