Factors influencing school connectedness: Chinese adolescents’ perspectives

This study explored the concept of school connectedness and the factors that may influence its development with a sample of Chinese adolescents. Six focus groups involving 52 high school students were conducted using a set of predetermined discussion topics. Results indicated that the students fully understood the notion of school connectedness and could identify a number of key influences affecting its development. These factors could be grouped under several domains including teacher care, peer relations, broader school relationships, school disciplinary policies and practices, activities within the school’s guidance and counseling program, and opportunities for talent development. The students were also able to suggest practical strategies that schools might introduce to enhance and strengthen students’ acquisition of connectedness to school. The implications from the findings are discussed with particular reference to implementing comprehensive school guidance and counseling program in Hong Kong.     

DEPRESSION AND RELATIONAL HEALTH IN ASIAN AMERICAN AND EUROPEAN AMERICAN COLLEGE WOMEN

Research consistently demonstrates elevated rates of depression among college‐aged women, yet evidence of racial differences in depression among this population are poorly understood. Moreover, the correlates of depression among Asian American women are also understudied. In this exploratory analysis, we examined mean differences in depression levels in a sample of Asian American (n = 117) and European American (n = 257) students from a women's liberal arts college. We also estimated associations between depression and relational health in three types of relationships (mentor, friend, and college community) using ordinary least squares regression. Relational health was examined as a buffer (i.e., moderator) against depression. Results indicated no differences in depression levels between Asian American and European American women. Relationships with the college community were associated with lower levels of depression in both groups of women. Limited evidence suggested that relational health served as a buffer. Results are discussed in light of interventions for college campuses.     

吉林省农村小学教师专业发展现状调查研究

本研究主要通过对吉林省长春、四平等8个地区的农村小学进行调查,目的是找到农村小学教师在发展过程中所遇到的问题和影响农村小学教师专业发展的因素,针对具体问题,具体分析。有效地把握农村小学教师的专业发展情况,从而有效地对吉林省农村小学教师的专业发展提出建议。     

Teacher experiences of culture in the curriculum

This study examines the experiences of two middle‐school teachers as they attempt to acknowledge the ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversity of their students in their curriculum and teaching practices. It identifies the complications and challenges they encountered in the process. It presents one curriculum event to explore the ways in which diverse beliefs and values intersected as the teachers implemented the event. It employs a narrative inquiry approach with an emphasis on stories to learn about the experiences of the participants.     

Reducing anxiety in gifted children by inducing relaxation

Sixty-four parents of Chinese gifted children who reported themselves to be traditional or Westernized parents were compared on their endorsement of Chinese traditional and Western parenting values and beliefs as well as their parenting style dimensions in terms of dominating control, guan, and warmth. Regardless of their degrees of Westernization, these parents seemed to be more characterized by collectivistic than individualistic thinking approaches based on Nisbett's conceptualization. More Westernized parents valued nonconformity significantly more than conformity, whereas less-Westernized parents placed more emphasis on the importance of unconditional respect for elders and interdependence than on conditional respect and child independence. Regarding parenting styles and practices, though all parents endorsed the practice of warmth significantly more, followed by guan, and significantly less dominating control, there was suggestive evidence that less-Westernized parents practiced guan more than more-Westernized parents. Implications of the findings for parenting gifted children are discussed.     

发展特殊教育多媒体教学资源的实践经验

面对信息科技教育的挑战,特殊教育教师已广泛应用计算机教导残疾儿童.然而,适合残疾儿童使用或学习的计算机多媒体资源,极为匮乏.本文旨在阐释发展特殊教育多媒体资源的策略,包括成立教学资源小组、建立软件库、构建网页、制作学习软件及调适性配件.结论指出计划成果丰富,有助推动特殊教育教学.