University-based review of international research centers, especially area studies centers, is encouraged. The issues are: What are the objectives of area research? According to insiders, what have been the main achievements? And what are some of the main problems and opportunities facing the centers now? (MSE)

Analyzes the final report of the President's Commission on Foreign Languages and International Studies, pointing out that the main thrust of its recommendations and proposals for funding is toward development of international studies with or without a foreign language component. Views this as a potential threat to foreign language programs. (MES)

Describes Bryn Mawr School's elementary French program, which uses language-experience approach to teach French language, history, and cultural studies. Creative abilities and language proficiency are integrated with formal study of texts in classroom and outside activities. (JD)

Discusses comparative studies of electronic media (broadcasting) across various cultures. Highlights include topical and national approaches; specific programming practices; philosophical considerations; television, radio, and video; media imperialism; electronic media personalities; the European Community media policy; and politics. Contains 145…

Examined effects of problem size in mental addition among elementary children in China (n=104) and Missouri (n=105) and among undergraduates in China (n=26) and Missouri (n=35). For all Missouri subjects and Chinese through first grade, larger-valued numbers took longer and induced more errors. (Author/NBI)

Studied the effects of student attitudes toward mathematics, student perception of parental opinion, and student assessment of study time on performance on the Third International Mathematics and Science Study with a U.S. sample of more than 10,000 students. Findings show the complexity of the factors contributing to mathematics performance. (SLD)

A study of the education systems in Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United States yielded data on 35 variables. The data were used to compile averages defined as "world class standards" in education. In world-class schools, the children are motivated and ready to learn, and…

Introduces the articles of this theme issue, which cover a wide variety of questions and problems relevant to research using findings of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). The articles have in common that most try to determine the degree to which certain factors influence student achievement. The focus is on five…

Describes how the West German parliamentary government, although originally modeled after the British parliament, is different because it allows for separation of powers similar to the U.S. government. Illustrates how a teacher can use an examination of the executive office to describe governmental relationships. (GG)

Offers an abridged version of a handbook designed for use in a seminar required of all seniors in the Henry M. Jackson School's International Studies Program at the University of Washington (Seattle). The culminating experience requires students to apply their knowledge about the world to an actual research problem. (KO)

Reports on the international Joint Study, supported by UNESCO, attended by scholars and experts from 14 European countries, Australia, Canada, and the U.S. Focuses on the communication situation of a migrant worker community. Describes position papers presented, and final conclusions and recommendations. (MW)

Compared the public opinion toward environmental issues of citizens in 24 nations covering a wide range of geographical and economic levels. Concluded that conventional wisdom claiming a difference in levels of environmental concern between citizens of rich and poor nations was not valid. (Contains 37 references.) (MDH)

Distinguishes between comparative education (an interdisciplinary field of study that applies social scientific theories and methods to international issues of education) and international education (organized efforts to bring together students, teachers, and scholars from different countries, and descriptive reports arising from such efforts).…

Explores the relationship between foreign language and international studies, focusing on the resulting closer connection between language, content, and context in foreign language departments and courses; cross-cultural components, traditional foreign language instruction, and courses emphasizing cultural awareness. (CB)

Discusses the recent efforts to expand literary studies into numerous allied fields and the possible effects that such attempts toward interdisciplinarity and internationalism might have. Warns against possible negative consequences of interdisciplinary approaches. Calls for an expanded view of English as a field of study. (HB)