Describes the characteristics and benefits of a policy adopted by the school board of the Placer Union High School District in Auburn, California, requiring all teachers to provide written orientation materials covering class procedures to all students each year. (PGD)

Intended as an introduction to those about to visit the United States for the first time, this booklet provides general information about the United States and its people. The title, derived from Mark Twain's observation that "the only distinguishing characteristic of the American character I've been able to discover is a fondness for ice…

Discusses the need for reference desk orientation for newly hired or reassigned librarians and presents an outline of a suggested orientation program. Orientation conducted by a supervisor is discussed, practical and philosophical aspects of reference service are addressed, and written materials that support the training are recommended. (nine…

The term "job aids" is a phrase used to describe a genre of ready-guidance tools or prompts that assist a person in performing a job or task. The purpose of job aids is to specify what is to be done, how to do it, the order in which it is to be done, and the standards to be met in doing it. Because job aids are not instructional…

Presents information regarding how North American teachers of Spanish can use authentic texts in Spanish to introduce some measure of cultural authenticity to their students. The article suggests that instructors need to use strategic orientation to reading tasks in order to overcome any possible cultural mismatches. (seven references) (Author/CK)

This report provides the documentation for a proposed interactive videodisk to be produced for use in orienting freshman students to the Harvey A. Andruss Library of Bloomsburg University (Pennsylvania). A rationale for the project and a plan of action are followed by a production time line and tentative program outline. An outline of the library…

Reviews several approaches to college faculty library orientation process based on needs of faculty involved and availability of library staff. Highlights include the required presence of faculty at the student orientation class; presentations at faculty meetings; and the faculty orientation class (level of instruction, instructional materials).…

The problem of college student attrition and the reasons for it are discussed in an essay from the American Federation of Teachers. A publication for students exploring some issues of college success (benefits of attendance, curriculum components, study skills and needs, and strategies for success) is noted. (MSE)

Discusses emotional difficulties of young children regarding experience in hospitals and presents ways to prevent such problems from occurring. (DB)

The "Darfur is Dying" website was the winning entry of a contest called Darfur Digital Activist, launched by MTV's 24-hour college network (mtvU). The site describes the winning game as "a narrative-based simulation where the user negotiates forces that threaten the survival of his or her refugee camp. It offers a faint glimpse of what it is like…

Problems associated with the transition from secondary schooling to higher education are assuming increasing significance as demand for places slackens. Student entry characteristics and adjustment difficulties are discussed in relation to choice of course and institution. Possible methods for dealing with transition problems are discussed.…

Arguing that professional library literature often ignores the problem of evaluating the effectiveness of a library tour or the aids (e.g., audiotape, slides, video, computer programs, handbooks) which may supplement the tour, this article provides a proposed evaluation model for measuring a tour's success. The evaluation of library tours is…

Client orientation should be an individualized, ongoing process which provides not only information about rehabilitation programs and services but also encourages and ensures the individual's involvement and participation in his or her own program. Ten guidelines to be considered in developing client orientation programs are (1) providing…

A model that includes three distinct syllabi for orientation courses for different subgroups of the college or university freshman population is presented. Among the groups with special needs are underprepared students who may be motivated but need skill development, and underachieving students characterized by untapped potential. One means of…