A communi-site -ed approach to speech fundamentals attempts to teach speech communication in interpersonal situations and to alert students to the importance of retaining democratic principles in a society which is pluralistic. It is assumed that college students need and desire the kind of learning whereby theory becomes functional in their…

The National Research Council has suggested that science classes need to become more active and authentic. To help with this effort, Thayer Model Engineering was created several years ago as an inquiry science course at Champlain Valley Union High School in Hinesburg, Vermont. In this school, the students apply the Thayer Model--a four-step…

Community organizing can encompass coalition building or community development, each of which represents steps in getting something done in a community. Before undertaking a project, it is important to figure out the exact problem the community is trying to address. From there, it can be determined how to address it, who else will be involved, and…

Describes two group projects in sixth grade classrooms in Appalachia. The purpose of the projects was to encourage the students to become interested in community problems and actively work on solutions. Both projects were multifaceted learning experiences that helped to develop responsible attitudes and leadership abilities. (JD)

The Future Problem Solving Program involves teams of students from grades 4-12 in creative problem solving. The teams complete practice problems and competitive problems. Winning teams go on to state and international competitions. Other program components include noncompetitive problem solving for primary-level students, community problem…

The purpose of this collection of papers is to define and explain the concept of process orientation, especially as applied to community education. The major presentation begins by tracing the central importance of process orientation through a review of literature within community education. Then a variety of different perspectives on process…

Adults should be involved in the community problem-solving process which is educational and therefore involves the adult educator as a process expert. Author then considers the extent of the educator's involvement. (MF)

Challenges the assumption that elected school boards are more responsive to local community needs than are appointed school boards. (Author/DN)

A study investigated ways that adult educators might introduce educational activity into a community problem-solving situation and attempted to determine the influence of this activity on growth of the community-problem-solving group. Adult educators by definition included cooperative extension agents, social workers, community mental health…

The growth of individuals participating in community problem solving activities within a rural setting was the focus of this study. Using grounded theory methodology, data was obtained from literature, interviews with participants in four rural community problem solving groups, and one participant-observation study of a rural community problem…

According to the United States Department of Labor, 73% of drug users in 1997 were employed. Numerous studies, reports, and surveys suggest that substance abuse is having a negative effect on the workplace in terms of decreased productivity; increased accidents; absenteeism; turnover; and medical costs. However, workplace substance abuse is a…

This curriculum guide uses the study of individual systems to build a basis for students to understand larger systems. Using sites in the school yard and the community, students investigate insect, bird, and dog populations, as well as one physical system, weather, as entry points to the broader subject of how natural systems interact. The degree…

The Center for Community Organization and Area Development prods residents of a tri-state area to understand their problems and then stirs them to come up with solutions. (Editor)

The Future Problem Solving Program aims to empower potential leaders to manage change successfully. It involves teams of students using a structured, creative problem-solving model to tackle controversial issues for the future; writing scenarios creating alternative futures; and planning for and implementing real solutions to real problems in…